Watercolors: A Musical Tribute to Charles Burchfield by Nell Shaw Cohen November 10, 2012

Composed for wind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon) by Nell Shaw Cohen in 2011, 'Watercolors' is inspired by the watercolor paintings of Charles Ephraim Burchfield (1893-1967), a visionary American artist who, through his work, dwelled on nature, spirituality and synesthesia. The four movements of 'Watercolors' correspond to four paintings created between 1916 and 1950:' An April Mood,' 'Autumnal Fantasy,' 'Sun and Rocks' and 'Glory of Spring' (Radiant Spring), the latter of which is in the Parrish's permanent collection. Images of the paintings will be projected during the performance, drawing listeners into the world of the artworks through both sight and sound.