After a lecture and a photography exhibit, I settled down to watch a concert with my mother at the Bechtler Museum.  While there, I also attended the Four Artists in Ascona show.  The four artists themselves? Italo Valenti, Ben Nicholson, Julius Bissier, and Rafael Benazzi.  Out of all, Ben Nicholson stood out with his drawings of architecture.  One can appreciate the simple, clean lines as they depict a building.  On the other hand, Benazzi created lovely little figurines.  Furthermore, Italo Valenti’s paintings reminded me of Jean Arp’s collage of squares. 

The theme of this Music and Museum performance revolved around the Spanish arts.  The Bechtler Ensemble played music from Astor Piazzolla, Manuel de Falla, Isaac Albeniz, and Joaquin Turina, while a Juan Miro painting stood next to them.  Piazzolla’s Oblivion evoked a sad and melancholy atmosphere.  Manuel de Falla’s Suite Populaire Espagnole had a lively spirit.  Continuing on, Isaac Albeniz’s Suite Espagnola No. 1, Op. 47 went back to somber with the occasional bits of liveliness.  However, it felt like the guitar and cello fought against each throughout the pieces.  Finally, Turina’s Circulo ended the concert with three movements that paid tribute to the hours of the day.  As usual, director John Boyer regaled everyone with information on each composer in between performances and a profile on Juan Miro.  All in all, a good way to end a day of art.