A world of art to visit, see and feel
File.5 Concert at the Yokohama Museum of Art ~Meeting the two Impressionists, Monet and Debussy~
(Inoue Miyuki/Copywriter)
"Monet: 100 Years Later" is currently being held at the Yokohama Museum of Art. On a certain Friday, as the exhibition was drawing to a close, a wonderful performance of piano and pantomime was held at the museum after closing time. 
(c) Akira
The concert was co-hosted by Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, and Yokohama Museum of Art, and featured Yuko Mifune (piano) and Philippe Aimard (performance). The "Piano Salon Concert "Nostalgia Paris"" held at Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall as a matinee on the same day was a stylish stage with the theme of "Parisian cabaret" 100 years ago, so expectations are high for the special stage in the evening.
The evening session, which was planned in collaboration with the "Monet: The Next 100 Years" exhibition, featured a program that leaned heavily towards Impressionism, as the subtitle "Monet and Debussy: An Encounter with Two Impressionists" suggests.
The museum in the twilight has a slightly different, moist atmosphere to its daytime appearance, which is also charming.
The water lilies that were installed in front of the entrance during the exhibition period also seemed to regain their freshness in the coolness of the evening, which was a relief. Glancing sideways at the people leaving the museum after their viewing, I hurried to the reception for tonight's special stage.
Prior to the concert, we first listened to a mini lecture by chief curator, Shintaro Matsunaga, in the lecture room.
The unique feature of this exhibition is that it displays 25 paintings by Monet and 66 works by 26 artists of later generations, including some works by artists who say they were not directly influenced by Monet. This is because the intention is to bring out Monet's innovativeness and universality by collecting works that, regardless of the artist's intentions, can be seen as having something in common with Monet when viewed objectively. The perspective of a museum curator is rather interesting. I must visit the museum again during opening hours and look for "Monet-esque" works by contemporary artists!
Once the lecture was over and the venue was ready, we moved to the Grand Gallery.
The gallery at night, lit by blue lights, has a different feel from the daytime when it is filled with natural light, creating a mysterious atmosphere like being underwater.
Ms. Mifune appeared in a blue dress, and Ms. Aimard appeared in white overalls with an image of light. The performance featured Debussy, piano and pantomime, and was full of French esprit.
He performed Monet to the accompaniment of Debussy, recited "I Am Monet" to the accompaniment of Schumann's "Traumerei," and even performed his own poems. Along with the beautiful melodies, Emar's versatility is captivating.
Debussy himself apparently disliked being called an "Impressionist," but I thought there was no doubt that his floating music was a perfect match for Monet's paintings.
The approximately one-hour stage ended in a flash.
The encore was Edith Piaf's "L'hymne a l'amour". Listening to Mifune's piano and Emar's singing, you'll have the illusion of being on a street corner in Paris. If we were to compare it to Monet's works, it would be one of his early works, such as "Boulevard des Capucines".
I felt like I had found another Monet here.
This event has ended.
"Monet: The Next 100 Years"
Period: Until Monday, September 24, 2018 (substitute holiday)
Venue: Yokohama Museum of Art
Closed: Thursdays
Opening hours: 10:00-18:00 *Open until 20:30 on September 14th (Fri), 15th (Sat), 21st (Fri), and 22nd (Sat)
(Last admission 30 minutes before closing)
