Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra

Inspiration is a funny thing. It seems to be fleeting, one of the most important things in an artist’s life. Without it, the dreaded “block” which holds an artist immobile. How do artists find inspiration?

One of the most important and well-known cycles of inspiration is between artists and musicians. Last week, I was lucky enough to be in attendance when the Indianapolis Symphony and the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir performed “Towards the Unknown Region,” by Vaughn Williams. As his inspiration, Williams set one of Walt Whitman’s poems from his seminal work “Leaves of Grass” to orchestral accompaniment. The resulting work is a swelling, moving homage to life and death that perfectly captures Whitman’s tone. In fact, Williams was so inspired by “Leaves of Grass”, several years later he wrote A Sea Symphony, his very first symphony, and the work which made him famous.

After the beautiful performance, I couldn’t help but think, “Who has been inspired tonight?” It doesn’t have to be grand, and it doesn’t have to produce symphonies or watershed paintings. Inspiration can be as simple as being moved to read some poetry.

I’m heading out to pick up “Leaves of Grass.” What inspires you?