One morning a few days ago I stopped by to pay a visit to Oscar.
Standing outside the National Arts Centre downtown, this sculpture of Oscar Peterson was dedicated by Queen Elizabeth in 2010. It is done by the Canadian sculptor Ruth Abernethy, and is amazingly life like in how it captures the Canadian jazz musician. In my mind, he is one of the greatest musicians of jazz, and the greatest Canadian musician this country ever produced. He was a gift to the world.
The sculpture finds Oscar sitting at a piano, emerging from the wall, smiling as if taking in the applause of his audience after just finishing playing. The expression is warm and true to life. There's enough room on the bench to sit with him. Speakers mounted on the wall above play his music throughout the day and into the night.
Oscar looks great. The rogue beside him is, well, a complete scoundrel.
Ha ha. Still a number of great photos of the sculpture.
ReplyDeleteI really do wonder how we did not learn of this man at school?
ReplyDeleteI love to browse through - read (!) all the blogs and learn the real stuff!
Really. Why not add 5 minutes at the and of a lesson in school and tell something like this?!
I don´t get it.
Well, maybe I´m too old and back then it was not this easy to find these infos?
Wish I could be a teacher now (but not with the kids that have no respect these days).
He was a great musician without doubt, but to claim that he is the finest the country ever produced is a bit of a stretch for me. I would probably confer that honour on Glenn Gould.
ReplyDeleteNice tribute, detail of his magic hands is my favourite.
ReplyDeleteAn incredible musician and a splendid statue.
ReplyDelete...Oscar is smiling, how about you???
ReplyDeleteMuy buena escultora, dedicada a una persona que se merece ese reconocimiento. Es un músico cuya fama se ha extendido a gran cantidad de países. La música es una de las artes de mi preferencia,
ReplyDeleteWhat a magnificent statue. Why so serious? Oscar's smile is infectious.
ReplyDelete@Stefan: thank you.
ReplyDelete@Iris: certain things must be sought out.
@David: it's a fair debate.
@Jan: thank you.
@John: quite so.
@Tom: smiles and I don't see eye to eye.
@Ventana: thanks.
@Gemel: it is.
A great tribute to Oscar. Love it.
ReplyDeleteI'll bet Oscar is a good listener.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful captures all!
ReplyDeleteYes, I listened to Oscar Peterson and I should have listened to more of his music.
ReplyDeleteA great image, to show the art of music by depicting the musician through sculpture!
ReplyDeleteOh now this really is a superb sculpture William, so much expression and details. I'm embarrassed to say I haven't heard Oscar's music but I will amend that ✨
ReplyDeleteI just love Oscar Peterson's jazz interpretations and have a couple of his CDs. I love that there is this beautifully done statue that salutes him.
ReplyDeleteOscar was an amazing musician ~ not sure about the 'scoundrel' ~ LOL ~
ReplyDeleteLiving in the moment,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Well what do we got here?!!A nice sculpture!I have never heard of him sorry about that!Is it you that nice selfie!
ReplyDeleteLooking good!
Happy sunday to you:)
That's a wonderful sculpture and a nice tribute to a man of music. Love your selfies, great work!
ReplyDeleteI met him once and he was really nice!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great sculpture;)
ReplyDelete@Marie: me too.
ReplyDelete@Sharon: indeed.
@Magiceye: thanks.
@Red: he was great.
@Barbara: I agree.
@Grace: it's wonderfully done.
@Jeanie: it's a fine tribute.
@Carol: a definite scoundrel.
@Anita: yes, that's me.
@Bill: thank you.
@RedPat: no doubt.
@Rosie: it is.
But the greatest monument to him is still his music.
ReplyDeleteTrue.
DeleteA sculpture and a scoundrel----well well well. Loved to listen to his wonderful interpretations
ReplyDeleteMB
He was a gift.
DeleteOscar Peterson Public School is just a few streets away from here.
ReplyDeleteNot a surprise.
DeleteWhat a wonderful sculpture.
ReplyDeleteI do like your selfies!
All the best Jan
It is a good sculpture.
DeleteHe has such a sweet face. Thank you for showing the sculpture so well. Who IS that scoundrel next to him? :-)
ReplyDeleteA miscreant. :)
DeleteAh ha, that's why there is room on the bench, you scoundrel.
ReplyDeleteA good amount of space.
DeleteOscar's statue is great. Since I like jazz, I'll have to listen to a recording. Nice to see you too!
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Deleteyou always make me smile when u do things like this ... a selfie ... wonder if it is called something else when u do like this? i love the bow tie and smile. ( ;
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteHis music is on the playlist I listen to while writing. Enjoyed this post.
ReplyDeleteGood music to listen to.
Deletebeautiful tribute. I love that they made place on the bench and LOVE that they incorporated the music. such a brilliant idea!
ReplyDeleteI assume the music turns off at some point, but I've never passed by at two in the morning.
Delete