New ‘Art of Music’ exhibit engages eyes and ears at San Diego Museum of Art

 By Lonnie Burstein Hewitt
First posted La Jolla Light

Margaret and Herb Zoehrer interacted with ‘Beethoven’s Trumpet,’ a sound sculpture by John Baldessari. — Maurice Hewitt

Three years in the making, the new “Art of Music” exhibit at San Diego Museum of Art is the biggest show in SDMA’s recent history: a display of music-themed artworks from their permanent collection, along with loans from major museums and private collectors. On view are more than 200 paintings, sculptures, textiles, photographs, video and sound installations, and musical instruments from around the world.

Now and then: John Cashman and SDMA trustee Debra Bean stand between Chuck Close’s 21st-century tapestry portrait of Philip Glass and an 18th century harpsichord. — Maurice Hewitt

Although the show spans centuries and continents — and includes small treasures like the original manuscript of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony — the most impressive pieces are large and contemporary, like John Baldessari’s “Beethoven’s Trumpet (with Ear),” Chuck Close’s many-times-lifesize portrait of Philip Glass and Fernando Botero’s “Dancing in Colombia.” It’s a joy to see Matisse’s complete 20-piece “Jazz” series — but he’s modern too, and all four are Western artists, three of them very much alive.


At the VIP members’ preview Sept. 25, 2015, attendees enjoyed the upbeat sounds of Third Coast Jazz Band and wandered through the galleries, happy to discover their own favorites, like the Dali “Romeo and Juliet,” an odd-looking African lyre, or the pair of early music videos by abstract animator Oskar Fischinger.


Hot Tip: Don’t just walk on by Tristan Perich’s “Microtonal Wall” in the last gallery. Move quickly alongside it, in both directions, and listen closely. Fun! 


 IF YOU GO: “The Art of Music” remains on view through Feb. 7, 2016 at San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park, San Diego. For hours and ticket prices call (619) 232-7931 or visit sdmart.org/art/exhibit/art-music