Behind the Canvas: The Story of "Crescendo"

The journey of “Crescendo” began with a conversation with my uncle, Misha Rachlevsky. Misha is no ordinary uncle—he’s a world-renowned conductor and violinist whose life has been devoted to the language of music. Over the course of his career, he’s founded and led three acclaimed orchestras around the world, known for his remarkable ability to draw a breathtaking sound from string ensembles. Misha’s passion for music and his vision for a new string orchestra—his fourth—was the spark that inspired this painting.

Originally, “Crescendo” was meant to be displayed and auctioned at a classical music concert Misha was to conduct, an event that aimed to bring together 16 incredibly talented musicians. Unfortunately, the concert was postponed, but the idea behind it continued to resonate with me, compelling me to bring the painting to life.

The color palette of “Crescendo” was deeply influenced by the concert program Misha selected, which was rooted in the concept of Chromesthesia—a fascinating phenomenon where sound evokes a visual experience of color. This idea was explored by many, but most famously by the Russian composer and pianist Alexander Scriabin, who developed a color system based on the circle of fifths. His innovative approach to music and color inspired me to use deep blues and vibrant yellow-orange tones, reflecting the emotional and synesthetic connection between music and color.

In terms of composition, “Crescendo” was inspired by the dramatic sunsets Misha would send me as references. I wanted the piece to tell a story of contrast and transformation—dark forces, represented by the deep blue at the bottom, battling against a strong, hopeful light emerging from the heart of the painting. The light culminates in the top right corner, with intense yellow-orange hues symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

The colors in “Crescendo” almost leap off the canvas, creating a vivid, three-dimensional effect that mirrors the dynamic tension between light and darkness. This interplay of color and emotion is at the heart of what makes the piece come alive, drawing the viewer in and inviting them to experience the struggle and eventual triumph of resilience and hope.

I’m so grateful that “Crescendo” has found a home with someone who appreciates its story and the energy behind it. It’s a reflection of the transformative power of music and art, and I hope it resonates with you as much as it did with me while creating it.

Read more about the fascinating concept of Chromesthesia here: Synesthetic Art: Enigmatic Sensory Relationship Between Music and Color