Composer

:

John Harbison

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

2000

Average_duration

:

13:10

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Six American Painters is a chamber work composed by John Harbison in 1995. The piece was premiered on March 17, 1996, by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in New York City. The work is divided into six movements, each of which is named after an American painter and reflects the characteristics of their art. The first movement, "Hopper," is inspired by the paintings of Edward Hopper. The music is characterized by a sense of loneliness and isolation, with long, sustained notes and a slow tempo. The second movement, "Pollock," is named after Jackson Pollock and reflects the energy and chaos of his drip paintings. The music is fast-paced and frenetic, with sudden shifts in dynamics and rhythm. The third movement, "O'Keeffe," is inspired by the paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe. The music is slow and contemplative, with a sense of stillness and simplicity. The fourth movement, "Rothko," is named after Mark Rothko and reflects the abstract, color-field paintings for which he is known. The music is characterized by long, sustained notes and a sense of expansiveness. The fifth movement, "Stella," is inspired by the paintings of Frank Stella. The music is fast-paced and rhythmic, with a sense of playfulness and experimentation. The final movement, "Whistler," is named after James McNeill Whistler and reflects the atmospheric, impressionistic quality of his paintings. The music is characterized by a sense of mystery and ambiguity, with delicate, shimmering textures and a slow tempo. Overall, Six American Painters is a rich and varied work that showcases Harbison's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of different artistic styles. The piece is a testament to the enduring influence of American painters on the world of art and music.

More....