BETH ALEPH
FOR BRASS QUINTET
Duration: 6:00
Dedicated to the ‘Veil Series’ of Morris Louis
Beth Aleph takes inspiration from Morris Louis and the color field painters of the later 20th century. Closely related to abstract expressionism, the style prioritizes consistency of form and process over symbolism. As articulated by the National Gallery of Art, "color is freed from objective context and becomes the subject in itself."
Louis’ Veil Paintings remain simple in structure to feature superimposed layers of transparent color. Reminiscent of Jackson Pollock’s drip and splatter techniques, Louis constructed the series by pouring streams of highly pigmented acrylic paints across an intentionally smooth canvas, allowing for the natural movement and blending of the vibrant shades. In composing this piece, I attempted to mirror Louis’ process of creation. Harmonies smear across tonal worlds, inviting unexpected moments of brilliance; rhythm and volume convey shape; and colors phase in and out of perception, depicting the spectrum of visual opacity presented in paintings like Beth Aleph.