Dashed a Tone of Light Rose

The title of this work is taken from a quote by the American painter John Sargent in which he described the moment in painting "Madame X" that changed his view from one of dissatisfaction into one of utter joy and renewed inspiration. In "dashed a tone of light rose" I sought to create the mixture of rawness and refinement found in "Madame X" a once-controversial painting. The tension in this music represents not only the tarnished reputation of the artist but also that of Madame Gautreau the subject of the painting whose status as a Parisian socialite was irrevocably destroyed. Throughout the work both artist and subject are characterized by changes in tessitura. Though the artist's reputation was altered ultimately it continued to remain intact through his lifetime and it is he who gained our notoriety while the woman's misery has been largely forgotten.