“In everything that can be called art there is a quality of redemption.” –Raymond Chandler
The Day Lady Died by Frank O'Hara can only be described as hectic and a bit off the wall. The poem itself is describing the day that O'Hara learned of famous jazz singer Billie Holiday's death, and beautifully exemplifies the author's surprise and dismay. To begin with, what Raymond Chandler is talking about in his quote is that art, in some form, has a savior type quality to either those who produce it or view it. In O'Hara's case, it was Billie Holiday's music that offered him some sort of redemption. Being an avid fan, O'Hara had seen Holiday perform several times before, the last being in a New York night club called "The Five Spot". O'Hara goes on in his poem to talk about that last performance, how he is transported back to that venue, where "she whispered a song along the keyboard / to Mal Waldron and everyone and I stopped breathing." Seeing Holiday perform had a profound effect on O'Hara, taking his breath away and filling him with awe. This profound connection is what I think Chandler is talking about. I'd like to believe that all art does that. Whether or not it's to the artist or the viewer, art produces a strong connection to someone. And it's with whatever connection that may be, there can be a quality of redemption.
No comments:
Post a Comment