Oscar Straus (composer) 1907

This is a photograph of Oscar Straus, the composer, by Nicola Perscheid. It's rendered in tones of grey which, in photography, can be as telling a decision as any colour choice. I'm drawn to the fuzzy collar that frames his face; it's like a cloud of thought, a nimbus of creativity surrounding him. The texture seems to vibrate, almost humming with untold melodies. Look how it contrasts with the smooth, matte surface of his coat. That juxtaposition of textures makes me think about how composers layer sounds, building harmonies and tensions. That glint of light on the pocket watch hanging from his coat acts like a little full stop in the composition. It makes me think of the rhythm of time, the way a composer marks out beats and measures. Maybe Perscheid is saying something about capturing a moment in time, an ode to music and the human spirit.