Tag: Classical Music

S_V_H A final image of Vivaldi RV578 Larghetto

Published on by Scott Von Holzen
Formal final image of Vivaldi’s RV578 Larghetto
≈ H40.5xL60.25xD7 inches
Earlier portrait of Vivaldi _Larghetto with an alternative arrangement
Vivaldi Larghetto displaying a Vivaldi quote and the artist’s attempt at cursive writing in the style of D’Nealian script.

This artwork is an example of the versatility of this art in arranging music, detailed in the video, and illustrated in the examples below. In the video I demonstrated two different alternate arrangements. The second example in the video is an obvious error. To better make my point below are five different arrangements (a challenge to find) that each keep the artworks musical flow the same. The unique aspect of this art lies in its capacity to change its visual presentation, possibly positioning it within the realm of Installation art.

I mentioned in the video comments on this arts use of color to add contrast and interest and less about caring about the actually colors or shades chosen or their relationship with each other. That comes from my disliking how many of today’s artworks stick to the traditional color rules in their artworks. The get-along approach to color and therefore the prettier the better fits well with contemporary art. Instead, (obviously I am not trying to market this painting) I use color as a tool to present to the viewer how I see and feel about the music.

Scott Von Holzen

S_V_H Antonio Vivaldi RV 578

Published on by Scott Von Holzen

This image shows the progress on this next project, which is Concerto No. 2, RV 578 in G minor, 3rd movement: Larghetto. Larghetto, an Italian term, refers to a slight decrease in tempo, let’s say around 60 to 70 BPM. My draft music for this project currently has a faster tempo of 84 BPM for a reason.

The arrangement for this music is going to be close to 1:30 seconds. My earlier small works were all less than a minute. I thought a 1 minute limit fit with their size and a listener’s interest. Since this new project is already at 5 feet, and its Vivaldi, 30 seconds more music would be consistent with past projects. I thought I should, to move this music along, speed up the tempo which I have. I will fine tune this music’s beat when I return to complete the cover music. I want the visitor to enjoy listening to a 300-year-old nonclassic rock or contemporary pop song. Speeding up the tempo might turn this music into a catchy, upbeat melody.

Here is the YouTube video that interested me to do another Vivaldi. It was not only the quality of the music from its start that is so Vivaldi, and so embracing. it was what I learned from this performance. What caught my attention was how the musicians all made such quick and smooth changes in volume and emphasis. I see this as a direction to better evaluate the overall volume of my arrangements. This music confirms for me the importance of having the right sound levels at the right moments in the music. Improving my control of volume levels will add interest and depth to the quality of my arrangements.

The music for this artwork starts at the 3:50 and at 5:25 minutes there is a short duo violin run-down-the-scale moment that this artwork will depict.
This is an early and bland cover of this dramatic music.

Scott Von Holzen

S_V_H Rondo Alla Turca First Image

Published on by Scott Von Holzen

This is a special project for an important event.  To start with this Artwork, of course, will build on the past, but already there are some big differences from recent works. This work is already six feet in length and the two end 6 inch by 8 inch canvases are all that I will be using.  Also, the distance between the canvases is incredible long and empty which will make for a lot of issues and needed problem solving.   Another first time feature is my use of printed decoration that I than attach to the canvases.

I realized while doing Vogue that many of the Art Deco designs I would like to reproduce on canvas would be extremely time-consuming and  difficult for me to hand paint.  Vogue took weeks to finish as it is. I chose than to go with simpler Art Deco designs,  for the reason that this art is about the music first and decoration is secondary.  Recently I found some nice Art Deco design files on-line,  and again they too have their limitations, but for now they will add a higher quality decorative look to this Mozart project.  The designs I print on Epson exhibition canvas using their archival inks.  I than coat the canvas with museum rated canvas varnish.  This makes me more comfortable with this option. That, and the expanding of my techniques, by continuing the art of modern collage created by Barque and Picasso, tells me I am good to go.

This first image of Rondo Alla Turca has the dimensions six feet in length by eight inches high.  I am creating this work specifically to be entered in the first juried exhibition at the new Confluence Art Center in Eau Claire.

Here is the interesting parts of the application:

My planed was to enter two artworks,  Vogue and this Mozart project until I read the application which stated a 60 inch artwork limit.  Vogue is 64 inches in length.  Than to my delight I read further about 3D artworks being accepted under 7 feet.  This Art is easily defined as sculptural, and since it is definitely three-dimensional, I think Vogue qualifies, and this Mozart project, will for sure, be just under 7 feet in length.

The Juror for this show is Dana Major who does “sculptural light installations and performative interactions……..,” so I find that interesting, and a small positive.  What I have figured out so far about guest art jurors is that this may limit the show promoters influence on who gets invited.  That also means that from year to year the quality and the making of the show can vary.  For this show  it is better that the Juror is from faraway Chicago, instead of locally.  The idea of a Big City Artist as the judge, may work to my benefit,  if she takes our local art seriously, and for me if she gets what this art is about.

The deadline for entry is June 18th and I will know by the end of July, if this local boy can nudge his way into limelight of this important first show at the Pablo Center at the Confluence.

Scott Von Holzen