Open Courtauld Hour: Musical Interludes

Join The Courtauld for our fifth online series, ‘Open Courtauld Hour’ 

Music pervades everything we do — it is present in our waking moments as a source of relaxation and fun. From defining subject matter to influencing style, harmony, melody, rhythm, and colour in arts physical manifestation, music also promotes mindfulness in the gallery sphere. A melodic crescendo to truly heighten our appreciation of art, music can allow a deeper immersion and interpretation of our collection. Visual arts symphony, the reciprocal nature between the visual arts and the musical world, is all the more clear when art acts as the source of inspiration for musical interludes.

In this hour we will travel back and across the globe to India with Katherine Schofield (Senior Lecturer in South Asian Music and History, Department of Music at King’s College London). Closer to home we will revisit our musical programme here at the Courtauld with Charlotte De Mille (Associate Lecturer and past Curator of Music at The Courtauld). Fast-forwarding to the present, we will be joined by the Future Ferens (Ferens Art Galley) to learn more on how and why music became an essential tool to promote interactive engagement in their rehanging of Monet’s ‘Antibes’ (on loan from our collection). Lastly, to round up the hour we will have a one off musical interpretation of Monet’s ‘Antibes’ by the musical duo GAIA.

This online mini series will provide concise one hour packages of pop-up talks, performances and in detail object study sessions that explore and celebrate our collection, research in art history, curation and conservation.

The series will touch on pertinent issues — magnifying contemporary thinking in society through the field of art history. These episodes will explore how the public, artists and galleries are adapting to a digital world, showcasing art historical research in light of this global pandemic and providing a platform for creative practice in the age of social distancing.

Most importantly, as art is relevant to all, these informal sessions will give attendees the chance to access, engage and read art and art history through a different lens— revamping and rethinking art historical discussions through retelling hidden stories. These episodes will platform new perspectives, new ways into art practice, looking at art and reading its history through themes that impact us all.