David Swatling focuses on the relationship between the Dutch masters, their paintings and music. Some paintings in the 17th century had music as a theme. Others, such as paintings of weddings or tavern scenes and even the famous Nightwatch, included people making music. Dutch masters also decorated musical instruments such as virginals and harpsichords. The use of certain musical instruments in paintings also had a symbolic meaning.
David’s guests include Simon Schama, museum director, and musicologist Louis Peter Grijp (1954-2016) whose Camerata Trajectina has produced a series of CDs with music from the period.
Producer: David Swatling
Broadcast: August 29, 2000