Van Gogh and Music

Vincent van Gogh thought that music was one of the art forms that most comforted people. His letters reveal that he attempted to do the same with his paintings. He saw his Sunflowers (1888) as a ‘symphony in blue and yellow’, and he also tried to paint ‘musically’ in other works.

Van Gogh shared the view of many other artists of his time that music was the ideal way of directly touching the heart.

‘And in a painting I’d like to say something consoling, like a piece of music’.

Vincent van Gogh to his brother Theo, Arles, 3 September 1888

Music in Van Gogh’s life

What do we actually know about the role played by music in Van Gogh’s life? Edwin Becker, Head of Exhibitions:

‘Van Gogh rarely specifically mentioned his favourite pieces of music or composers, but we do know that he very much appreciated sound in general. And his musical influences range from religious psalms to popular French folk music and operas by Richard Wagner’.

In 1887, Van Gogh lived in Montmartre. The pioneering composer Erik Satie was also living in the Parisian neighbourhood in the same period.

Captivating melodies inspired by Van Gogh

Satie’s influence can be heard in the specially composed music by pianist Remko Kühne, inspired by Van Gogh’s works.

Edwin Becker:

‘In the video series Hear the Painting, Remko perfectly captures the charm and idiosyncratic style of Van Gogh’s work in captivating melodies’.

Watch the videos, listen to the exquisite music, and experience Van Gogh’s masterpieces like never before.

You can also listen to Remko's music in the Spotify playlist: