Beyond the Notes:
The Course of Empire

Inspired by Art

The bold imagery and compelling story depicted in Cole's five paintings inspired composer Nell Shaw Cohen to create music that reflects the visual and narrative aspects of these paintings.

Video: Music and The Course of Empire

The Creative Process

Using the paintings as guide and inspiration, Cohen made musical decisions that were affected on multiple levels by what she saw. In this video, the composer describes how using paintings as source material impact the overall compositional process.

Video: Making Music from Art

Video: A Film Score for Paintings

While it also serves as a stand-alone piece of music, The Course of Empire is intended to be heard in the context of the artwork, and to bring insight to the viewer's interpretation of the paintings. Cohen hopes the music and paintings will combine to produce a unified sensory experience for listeners.