The World of Music in Museums, Art Galleries and Country Houses
30 September 2026 - 14 October 2026
10.45–12.45 And 14.00–16.00 Wednesdays
£86.00 – £428.00
Description
With an eye to important paintings, musical instruments and pictures with musical content, this series explores the world of music found in a range of country houses, museums, and art galleries around Europe. Venues include the Mauritshuis in the Hague, the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, the Dulwich Picture Gallery in London, the Vleeshuis in Antwerp, and the Ca’ rezzonico in Venice.
”This was a masterpiece. Peter’s skilful weaving of art, music, history and observation created a tapestry of enriching delights. The two-lecture day format was energising thanks to his easy style of delivery which promoted active listening and vision. I can’t wait for his next series”
Course Outline
30 Sep 2026
10.45-12.45 Burghley House, Lincolnshire & Hatfield House, Hertfordshire
The morning session concentrates on two English country houses owned by the music loving Cecil family. Burghley House has a range of musical paintings and period musical instruments, while Hatfield House has rich musical connections through its builder Robert Cecil, one of the great patrons of music in the early 17thcentury.
14.00–16.00 Vleeshuis, Antwerp & Museo Internazionale E Biblioteca Della Musica, Bologna
These two collections – one in Antwerp, the other in Bologna – contain important examples of period musical instruments, and many first-rate paintings of great composers, and the world of 16th, 17th and 18th century music making.
07 Oct 2026
10.45-12.45 The Mauritshuis, The Hague & The Dulwich Picture Gallery, London
Despite the compactness of these two art galleries, the content in each case is of international standing. We home in on 17th century Dutch genre paintings in the Mauritshuis, and important Thomas Gainsborough portraits of the Linley family in the Dulwich Picture Gallery.
14.00–16.00 Ca’ Rezzonico, Venice & Querini Stampalia, Venice
This afternoon’s session focuses on the theme of 18th century Venetian life and its music represented in these two charming Venetian museums.
14 Oct 2026
10.45-12.45 The Bate Collection, Oxford & The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
The musical element of these two English museums is rich and varied, ranging from Handel’s English harpsichord in Oxford, to rare Scarlatti and Handel manuscripts in Cambridge.
14.00–16.00 Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam & The Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
The course closes by looking at two contrasting art galleries, Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, with works by Geertgen tot Sint Jans and Jan Steen, and the Walker Art Gallery, with its focus on 18th and 19th century British art.