Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Oscar

Every once in awhile, an artist captures the essence of the subject on canvas or in sculpture. Such is the case here, with a sculpture outside the National Arts Centre. Oscar Peterson played with the legends of jazz, and was a legend in his own right, composing music, touring the world until the last year of his life. Home was always in Canada though.


I never got the chance to see him in concert, but I have a number of  his albums, and he's the best jazz musician this country has ever produced. I'd even say the greatest pianist we've ever given the world, though Glenn Gould afficianados will disagree. He played in the NAC from time to time since its opening, and it's fitting that the sculpture is here. It looks as though he's just finished a set at the piano, and is taking in the applause of the audience. The bench makes for a good photo-op, since people can sit right beside the slightly larger than life sculpture of the great man. 


There are speakers set above the sculpture, playing Peterson recordings through the day and into the night. The sculpture was unveiled by the Queen during her last visit in 2010, and has been a popular place to stop ever since. I like the attention to detail in the sculpture, from the clothing to the expression on his face. It really shows the spirit of the man himself.


38 comments:

  1. I remember you telling me about this one before!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love cities that have art everywhere and in surprising places.
    This latest series of photos you have been posting, have been wonderful.
    Tucson is like that. you can be driving down the street and tucked away is some sort of sculpture.

    cheers, parsnip

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's a small town up the valley filled with statues... I really should go up there sometime and photograph them.

      Delete
  3. Wonderful sculpture! An artistic portrayal of an artist.

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a great tribute to an amazing musician !

    ReplyDelete
  5. great sculpture and i love the upclose of his face!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love art like this, that allows those who appreciate it to participate (i.e. the space on the bench). It makes you feel like you are a part of something special.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That's a great piece of art and a nice series of pics. Agree that this kind of thing is special - it fits in and I think 'participation' sums it up nicely. Getting a few things like this in the UK now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's something similar up on Parliament Hill, a statue of one of our PMs that has a very approachable feel to it. I have to photograph that sometime.

      Delete
  8. I did not know, He is from Canada. Great pianist, and with pleasure I will listen His music todays`s evening. Thank You William.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I like the fact that there is music playing. I never saw him perform but did see him out and about town a few times and he always seemed very pleasant and approachable.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think the idea of the music on speakers came a bit after the fact, but it didn't take long before they set it up. It's wonderful to hear that play as you pass by.

      Delete
  10. Love the expression on his face too and that he is there with his music! We have records, must go back and give a listen...

    ReplyDelete
  11. now that is a wonderful sculpture - I hope the locals respect it,

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh wow, this really is a wonderful sculpture and a great tribute to a very talented musician. I'm happy to know it exists.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've loved it since the first time I've seen it. It's one of my favourite, if not my favourite statue, in the whole city.

      Delete
  13. A wonderful sculpture of a very talented musician. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  14. For me, Jazz is of the highest musical order as is Peterson. Sharon is correct; terrific sculpture and tributej.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've loved jazz for many years. It lifts the spirits.

      Delete
  15. Oscar may be the greatest but what about Michel Petrucciani ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Him I had to look up. I'd heard the name somewhere. Turns out he was from France.

      Delete
  16. I have had the honour to hear him play, many years ago. I missed the statue in Ottawa as I was last there a few months before it was installed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's well worth a visit the next time you're in the area, and now you know where it is.

      Delete
  17. Just another example of a great jazz musician of which they are so many. We listen to jazz and easy listening 24x7 in our home courtesy of Internet radio.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's no shortage of them... and discovering new ones is always a treat.

      Delete
  18. As just said, this is really a wonderful sculpture!

    ReplyDelete