Goethe is credited with the quote "Architecture is frozen music", sometime in the early part of the 19th century. Apocryphal, perhaps, but definitely prescient. Yesterday marked the sad passing of two legends - one in Architecture, the other in music. The two, in their own way, embodied Goethe's vision.
Oscar Niemeyer, now passed at age 104, fascinated us all by his masterful assembly of possibly tortured function into swooping geometric and sculptural forms. His iconoclastic work was the inspiration for all those who wanted to have their buildings viewed as enduring icons. Few have been equal to the challenge. Personally, I suspect that 104 years form now Niemeyer's buildings will continue to be destinations; while those of the current in-vogue sculpturalist Frank Gehry may not.
Dave Brubeck, now passed one day short of his 92nd birthday, was the artist who implanted the musical rhythms of many design studio environments. Along with millions of others, I was a fan. One anecdote: For a long period of time, Dave Brubeck and his quartet were the musicians at special yearly Christmas-time service at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York. One year, I was fortunate to find the perfect balcony seat looking over Dave's shoulder as he played loose compositions selected for the occasion. The experience was very moving.
A moment of silence is appropriate. Followed by quiet satisfaction that we are better people for their contributions. Say Halleluiah.
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