Have you ever listened to a piece of music and instantly visualized a familiar scene? Have you ever looked at a painting in a museum and found yourself humming a popular tune? You may be experiencing synesthesia, "a subjective sensation (as of color) or image of a sense other than the one (as of sound) which is being stimulated." In the WestportREADS book selection The Soloist, two of the characters have the ability to see the sounds of the music they create.
As part of the celebration of WestportREADS, the Norwalk Symphony Woodwind Quintet will be performing at the library on Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. and will be exploring this unusual concept.
Throughout history, composers have been inspired by family members, surroundings, or writings. Charles Ives paid tribute to his father's job as a band leader in the "Country Band March". Franz Joseph Haydn who was known for his longevity and huge musical output, composed his Symphonies #93-98 and #99-104 on trips to London in 1791-1792 and 1794-1795. Ludwig van Beethoven's emotions were heightened by his nature walks throughout the countryside; these feelings came through in his Symphony #6, also known as the "Pastoral Symphony". Giuseppi Verdi's operas were derived from the plays of Shakespeare including Falstaff and Macbeth.
While you ponder the numerous possibilities and potential influences on the creative mind, you are invited to come to the library to listen to and see the music at this concert.