What percent of great artworks are created by artists whose lives are punctuated by turmoil or suffering?

Some of us discussed that question after the conclusion of the 5/31/2011 recital by violinist Jocelyn Adelman and pianist David Fisk (both associated with the Richmond Symphony) entitled “And Their Music Lives On . . .” at the Virginia Holocaust Museum.

They performed works by three composers who were suppressed by the Nazis: Alexander Zemlinsky, Ernst Krenek, and Olivier Messiaen. The Messiaen piece – “Quartet for the End of Time” – was especially haunting. He wrote about his work, “There is joy behind sorrow, beauty behind horror.”

How often is that true about other artworks? This was the perfect event: quality music, gathering of patrons of two very different organizations, and a poignant storyline.