“Violinist and a Young Woman,” from 1871, shows a less formal musical setting. Degas would have been familiar with this scene of musicians performing at home for their own pleasure.
Edgar Degas’s absorption in soirees, operas and cabaret concerts is the basis of a new exhibition at The Hyde Collection. Curated by Kendall and Jill DeVonyar, “Degas & Music” is a rich array of 30 works — paintings, drawings and sculpture — that explores Degas’ early musical influences and how they were expressed through his art. It’s a dream exhibition for Kendall and DeVonyar who, for years, have wanted to probe deeper into his musical life.