The artist Henri Matisse was a master of tone, rhythm and contour. It makes perfect sense to use his iconic late-career scissor-cut pieces from the early 1940s as inspiration for music, particularly music in the jazz idiom. The bold images were collected in a book called “Jazz.”
Matisse was an influence on American collage master Romare Bearden, whose work often depicted jazz musicians and whose compositions had a percussive musicality. Matisse is often said to have wanted to “teach the eye to hear.” One can imagine the ways that the blues — both the musical form and the pigment — will play into this music composed and performed by pianist Christopher Bakriges who will be joined by violinist Gwen Laster.
Expect bright colors paired with hushed settings, bold lines and elegant figures joined in harmony. Images of Matisse’s work will be shown along with the music. Bishop John Selders from the Amistad UCC in Hartford will narrate the program.
The show is a part of the Baby Grand Jazz series at Hartford Public Library, 500 Main St., Hartford, Sunday Jan. 21, at 3 p.m. Admission is free. hplct.org/
