Johann Goethe called architecture frozen music.
My recent docenture during Modernism Week in Palm Springs has led me to that very conclusion. Architecture is indeed a symphony. To be exact, for me, the Palevsky House designed by Craig Ellwood is Ravel’s Bolero!
If you think that the music now inextricably linked to Bo Derek seems an odd choice to describe a weekend house in our fair desert. Let me explain.
You spy a couple dining al fresco; poolside. They are dressed simply, but impeccably.
The couple rises to leave. Now you are able to see them in greater detail. They are dressed in crisp white linen: perfectly starched and properly ironed.
A faint scent of orange blossoms waffs through the air.
They begin to slowly walk away. His strong back is outlined by his crisp linen shirt.
A gentle breeze caresses the hem of her wrap dress revealing a glimpse of a taut leg.
She throws back her head and lets out a throaty laugh. Her tresses undulate over her shoulders as they shimmer in the afternoon sun.
He looks to her, his Roman profile captured in silhouette for an instant. He smiles broadly; a welcoming smile of bright white teeth.
He unbuttons his shirt and lets it slide to the ground, exposing rugged muscular shoulders.
Following his lead, she loosens the tie at her waist, letting the dress billow behind her. A gust of wind releases it from her shoulders. The dress flutters to the ground.
She kicks her heels aside.
They look knowingly into each other’s eyes. 
A wry smile crosses their faces. They turn and dash towards the pool.
Splash.
Welcome to the Palevsky House!
