I feel this piece, Symphonic Metamorphosis, is a great example of them. This German-American composer wrote Symphonic Metamorphosis during 1943 in America. It is a dance, a song of romance, fast, very colorful and flamboyant. It was subsequently choreographed for the New York City Ballet.

 

Symphonic Metamorphosis is composed in four movements: Allegro, Scherzo, Andantino and Marsch.

 

I picked this symphony for the Loveland Orchestra Gala because of its speed and color. Whether I am painting for a musical group such as yours, for a church during worship, or for a party, I like lively music. I like the raw, bursting, transformation of the work. It motivates us to go deep within and to define for ourselves what is being transformed. I danced it out before attempting to paint it. I asked myself “Is this metamorphosis a transformation of a marriage? Maybe a life? Or is it the rebirth of spring after a long winter?” I pondered the musical score and played with the colors to mix. I prefer to use the color which correlates with each note of the music. Symphonic Metamorphosis is so unique, so lively and so fast that exact note-color correlation was unachievable.

 

Internet Definition of Metamorphosis

The process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages. A change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means.

 

“By natural or supernatural means” inspired me. Others might see a seasonal change merely as mundane. But it is truly “Supernatural” to me. So, I explored the awe and magnificence of a winter’s sleep. The awakening of spirit in spring. That worked for me! It defined metamorphosis! So, I listened to the piece while I choose the colors and mixed them in small containers. I did a few pieces before painting “Overture Metamorphosis” to practice and developed the rhythm for the final painting at the Gala.