“Like all abstraction, the artist may create the work, but the audience creates the meaning and that meaning can change over time.” Symphonic music is an abstraction to be discovered,” says Willems. “Beethoven’s magnificent work invites contemplation and participation. Willems’ exhibit is designed to invite audiences to experience Beethoven in a new way-as listeners and also viewers. In addition to the exhibition, NSO concert attendees will receive a limited-edition commemorative exhibition catalogue of all the abstractions as a special keepsake and to reference and reflect upon as the symphonies are performed during each concert. But, at the center of everything is the circle, symbolizing the journey of musical notes. Taken as a whole, the nine works’ visual elements change and grow, reflecting the dynamic changes inherent in Beethoven’s symphonic career. The length of the movement determines the size of the panel, and so the length of the symphony determines the size of the painted abstraction. Each large-scale work is a response to one of Beethoven’s nine symphonies, divided into panels that visually interpret each symphonic movement. To accompany the National Symphony Orchestra’s Beethoven & American Masters concert series, author and illustrator Mo Willems presents Beethoven Symphonies Abstracted, an exhibition of nine large-scale, painted abstractions inspired by the music and genius of Beethoven.
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