Rehearsal of the Pasdeloup Orchestra at the Cirque d’Hiver represents an abstract and bold work from John Sargent’s early career. The painting depicts a full rehearsal of Jules Etienne Pasdeloup, who conducted the orchestra for nearly three decades. Cabarets, operas and musical events abounded in Paris, and they were particularly popular among visiting American artists such as Sargent. This can be attributed to the lack of a language barrier inherent in music, and the fact that many concerts, such as the ones put on by Pasdeloup, were relatively inexpensive.

Sargent himself was a gifted musician, and his knowledge and feel of music shows through in the painting. The musicians appear darkened and faceless, while the instruments are brighter and stand out. The horns on the right are particularly electrifying, and the smeary brush strokes add to the energy. His rapid strokes of white for the sheets of music, on top of the black of the musicians and warm gray of the background create a sense of sound, as if the notes of the music come right off the canvas. This technique was unique for impressionist artists at the time and testify to his abilities as a multi-talented artist- a painter and a musician.