These lectures will seek to explore some less familiar aspects of the age of Impressionism and in particular to illuminate the relationship between art and music in the late 19th century. At this time, and under the looming shadow of Wagner, there was an intense and fruitful relationship between art and music. The lectures will combine gorgeous images with some musical examples and will aim to delight the senses.
Edgar Degas was a passionate lover of ballet and opera. He attended countless performances in the old opera house in the rue Le Peletier, until its destruction by fire in 1873, and later at the magnificent Palais Garnier. No artist before him had captured so effectively the artificial and magical atmosphere of the auditorium and stage. He also explored the murky, somewhat sleazy backstage world at the Opera exposing the contrasts between illusion and reality.
In the series:
Degas at the Opera – Apr. 5
Wagner and France: La Peinture Wagnerienne – Apr. 12
Salome: Gustave Moreau, Oscar Wilde and Richard Strauss – Apr. 19