Karim Al-Zand: Music: Lines in Motion

Lines in Motion

for piano trio

three pieces after kinetic illustrations by Quillivic, Masereel & Esherick

Lines in Motion is inspired by three striking black and white illustrations from the early 20th century. Though quite different in style, they all embody a strong sense of motion, with lines that project a kinetic energy that leaps off the page. In En pleine mer [On the Open Sea], the sweeping lines of Quillivic’s maritime engraving are reflected in a roiling, liquid texture and undulating waves of sound. In the Big City echoes Masereel’s imposing vertical cityscape through bold, chordal blocks interrupted by bustling activity. At the Spirit Dance turns Esherick’s iconic woodcut figures into a bopping musical trio, swinging to a rhythmic groove.

Lines in Motion was written for the Merz Trio and commissioned by Chamber Music Columbus (for their 75th anniversary season) and by Chamber Music Houston. The three images used for the work (René Quillivic’s En Pleine Mer [On the Open Sea], Frans Masereel’s Amerika [America] and Wharton Esherick’s Rhythms) are all in the public domain and available to include in a program note or for in-concert projection.

left to right: René Quillivic (1879–1969), Frans Masreel (1889–1972), Wharton Esherick (1887–1970)