Evening Concert, Sainte-ChapelleThe celebrated windows flamed with lightdirectly pouring north across the Seine;we rustled into place. Then violinsvaunting Vivaldi's strident strength, then Brahms,seemed to suck with their passionate sweetness,bit by bit, the vigor from the red,the blazing blue, so that the listening eyesaw suddenly the thick black lines, in shapesof shield and cross and strut and brace, that heldthe holy glowing fantasy together.The music surged; the glow became a milk,a whisper to the eye, a glimmer ebbe
In "Evening Concert, Sainte-Chapelle," John Updike vividly captures the enchanting atmosphere of a concert held in the breathtaking Sainte-Chapelle. The radiant stained-glass windows reflect the light streaming in from the Seine, creating a vibrant backdrop for the musical experience. As the violins perform pieces by Vivaldi and Brahms, the intense colors of the windows seem to lose their vigor, leading to a more subdued visual experience.
The music transforms the once brilliant hues into softer tones, allowing the intricate designs of the glass to become more apparent. The combination of sound and light evokes a sense of serenity, as the vivid colors fade into delicate shades, creating a profound connection between the art of music and the beauty of the stained glass. Updike's portrayal invites readers to appreciate the interplay between auditory and visual elements in this historical and spiritual setting.
