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'Central to human identity': exhibition at the Met connects bodies with musical instruments
Musical Bodies looks at 4,000 years of musical history and how humans have forged relationships with instruments
TL;DR
- The exhibition 'Musical Bodies' at The Met examines 4,000 years of musical history and the connection between human bodies and instruments.
- Instruments are seen as receptacles for human yearning, identity, and imagination, absorbing creative spirit.
- Examples range from African drums and ancient Egyptian clappers to Prince's guitars, Renaissance violins, and modern MiMu Midi gloves.
- The human voice is presented as the primary musical instrument, with beatboxing and whistling showcased as unique forms of vocal expression.
- Historically, musical instruments have also held symbolic weight in courtship and have been depicted suggestively in art, hinting at sexual connotations.
- The exhibition aims to re-center music, encouraging appreciation for its role as central to human identity.