Orchestra c. 1949

Editor: This is "Orchestra" by Mane-Katz, date unknown, held at the Tate. I'm immediately struck by how the instruments almost seem to vibrate off the canvas. What’s your take on this piece? Curator: It feels to me like a visual symphony, doesn’t it? The bold brushstrokes and vivid colors, especially that almost aggressively red bass, create a real sense of movement and energy. Do you get a sense of improvisation? Editor: Definitely, it's jazzy. I’m also curious about how Katz captured the feeling of sound using only paint. Curator: He wasn't just painting instruments, was he? He was painting the *feeling* of music, the passion and rhythm. Think of it as a synesthetic experience rendered on canvas. I think this painting really sings. Editor: I see what you mean. It’s as if the painting itself is performing. Thanks!