Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts

Friday, March 27, 2009

CHICAGO PUBLIC ART #21 - CHICAGO FUGUE - 1987






This one is in the lobby of the building at 190 South LaSalle Street, you can't miss it when you walk in. Done by Anthony Caro. Quoting Mr. Artner "An evocation of music very different [ yes indeed!] from Polasek's Thomas Memorial; this one, by Britain's leading living abstract sculptor, communicates not the general spirit of music [ as did the statue of the goddess Music] but something of one of its oldest constructions involving themes sounded in several parts or voices."
I am not that technically proficient in music to be able to comment on that. It does sound to me is if Artner is referencing the kind of songs sung in rounds, such as "Row,Row Your Boat". Although that is not old. But I could be totally wrong here. Whatever, I liked it. The Gregorian chants may be what he is talking about; I just don't know, and I don't think it matters. You like it or you don't, although certainly the more you know about a subject, the better you can appreciate it.

This is absolutely monumental in size. I'm sorry I don't have someone in the pictures to give you an idea, although the couch does help. There is a nice viewing area in front of it, with a 2 comfy sofas, chairs, coffee table. And a couple of chairs off to one side. There are guards at the doors, but as long as you are just staying in the lobby, it's fine.
One of the things I like about it is that it fits its space so perfectly. In looking at these pictures online, I notice that they really do not convey, in any sense, the power of this sculpture. You must see it. So if you are in the vicinity, please do drop in. It is well worth it.



Monday, October 20, 2008

PUBLIC ART IN CHICAGO # 6 - THEODORE THOMAS MEMORIAL (THE SPIRIT OF MUSIC)




This one, done in 1923, is by an artist named Albin Polasek. It is in Grant Park, well I guess technically, although if you go there, it seems much more an adjunct of Michigan Avenue. It is at Michigan and Balbo Drive, the statue being in the south end of what is called, I believe, The Music Garden, probably because of this statue, The Spirit of Music. Apparently it was originally right across from Orchestra Hall, which would be appropriate, because it honors Theodore Thomas, the founder of that wonderful organization, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

The goddess is called the Spirit of Music and that is a lyre in her hand. She is really quite wonderful.

But what is equally wonderful is the garden itself. I had seen it many times passing up and down Michigan, but had never actually walked in it. It is another of our fair city's hidden gems. Spectacular landscaping, abundant flowers even at this late date, it is a quiet and peaceful hideaway just off the busy sidewalk. Perfect place for a picnic lunch or reflective time. Kudos to Chicago for creating this haven.

And how beautiful the sentiments expressed on the surround in back of the statue.

What a fabulous view of Chicago looking north from the base of the statue!!! How lucky she is to see that every day.