Music

The intersection between music, art, and history seen through the lens of the Met collection.

Detail of a guitar backside. The shiny mahogany wood has varying shades of brown, creating an almost marbled effect.

Immaterial: Wood

The most musical tree in the world.
Johnny Gandelsman performing the violin in Fuentidueña Chapel at The Met Cloisters.

J.S. Bach: Violin Partita No. 2 in D minor (Johnny Gandelsman)

In 2023, violinist Johnny Gandelsman realized a longtime dream: performing J.S. Bach’s six Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin, plus novel arrangements of the composer’s six cello suites, over a weeklong residency at The Met Cloisters.

The Catalyst Quartet perform on a spotlit stage

Jessie Montgomery: Strum (Catalyst Quartet)

In December 2023, Catalyst Quartet—The Met’s 2023–24 Quartet in Residence—gave voice to a special set of Met collection instruments for the first time in over 70 years.

Johnny Gandelsman performing the violin in Fuentidueña Chapel at The Met Cloisters.

J.S. Bach: Cello Suite No. 1 in G major (Johnny Gandelsman, violin)

In 2023, violinist Johnny Gandelsman realized a longtime dream: performing J.S. Bach’s six Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin, plus novel arrangements of the composer’s six cello suites, over a weeklong residency at The Met Cloisters.

Catalyst Quartet: “Bassline Fabulous” with Machine Dazzle

In December 2022, as part of their Met residency, Catalyst Quartet presented an immersive dive into Bach’s behemoth Goldberg Variations.

Farah Siraj: Diggi Ya Rababa

Named Jordan's “Musical Ambassadress,” Farah Siraj’s unique idiom melds influences from Arabian music, flamenco, and jazz.

Alsarah & the Nubatones: Nuba Noutou

Founded in 2011, Alsarah & the Nubatones have dubbed their sound “East African retro-pop.”

Harlem Is Everywhere" episode 4 art, featuring Jacob Lawrence's "Pool Parlor

Harlem Is Everywhere: Music & Nightlife

What were the sounds of the Harlem Renaissance?

Emel Mathlouthi: Fi Kolli Yawmen

Emel Mathlouthi's viral anthem of the Arab Spring earned her the title “voice of the Tunisian revolution.”

Cécile McLorin Salvant at The Met Cloisters: Mélusine

In July 2023 MetLiveArts welcomed three-time GRAMMY®-winning jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant for a digital-exclusive performance in the Unicorn Tapestries Room at The Met Cloisters.

More articles