Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), The Moth and the Thunderclap, 1961; watercolor and charcoal on paper, 36 x 48 inches; Collection of the Burchfield Penney Art Center, Gift of Charles Rand Penney, 1994
Charles Burchfield, Journals, February 14, 1937
Tuesday, Feb 17, 2015
Philharmonic concert conducted by the Mexican composer Chavez. (Carlos Chávez 1899-1978) After the luke warm conducting of Stravinsky & Enesco of the last few Sundays (the former could not even conduct his own “Petrouchka” with spirit!) the fiery brilliance of Chavez is thrice welcome- what a world of difference the conductor makes!
One of Chavez’s own compositions “Antigone Symphony” powerful startling music, as raw and elemental, and indeed suggestive of, savage Indians. Suggestive not in any cheap initiative sense, more as if Chavez himself had behind him centuries of Indian blood. There were blood-curdling screaming in the violins like savages yelling (abstractly, not photographically) and broad deep-toned blares on horns. It made me think of the abstract qualities of huge tiles, or some giant hitting boxcars together - genuinely creative music.
Charles Burchfield, February 14, 1937