Michelangelo and Bach tribute

J.S.Bach's deeply moving final chorus from the St John Passion, conducted by Karl Richter, accompanied in this video by photographs of the Pietàs, drawings and buildings of Michelangelo (1475 - 1564). Pietàs shown include the Pietà from St Peter's Basilica in Rome (1499), the Florentine Pietà (1547 - 1555), Palestrina Pietà (1555, unfinished) and the Rondanini Pietà (1564, his last work, unfinished), as well as the Madonna of Bruges (1501 - 1504).

Pietà from St Peter's, Rome (1499):

Michelangelo was in his early twenties when he completed his most famous Pieta of St Peter's Rome. According to legend he overheard someone praising the work as by another artist so returned to the sculpture and carved his name on it - the only work of his on which he carved his name.

Florentine Pietà (1547 - 1555):

Michelangelo began the Florentine Pietà (also known as 'The Deposition') in his 70s and was originally intending it for his own tomb. Unfortunately the marble he used was faulty, unknown to Michelangelo when he began the sculpture, and it often drew off sparks as he worked. Finally the left leg of Christ broke off while he was working on it. Michelangelo was so furious he attempted to destroy the whole sculpture, beginning with Christ's left forearm and hand and right forearm, but was prevented by his pupils from completing the destruction. It was later repaired and completed by his pupil Tiberio Calcagni - the inferior quality of Tiberio's work is obvious in the finishing of the figure of Mary Magdalene; fortunately Tiberio Calcagni didn't attempt to 'finish' the remaining figures. The tall figure of Joseph of Arimathea (also credited as Nicodemus) is according to legend supposedly a self portrait of Michelangelo himself.

Palestrina Pietà (1555):

The unfinished Palestrina Pietà has no documented history in Michelangelo's lifetime. However it was added to the Michelangelo collection in Florence in 1939. Most likely Michelangelo began the work, and possibly one or more of his pupils attempted more work on it, though it remained incomplete.

Rondanini Pietà (1564):

Michelangelo was apparently working on his last Pietà, the unfinished Rondanini Pietà, only days before he died in 1564, at the age of 89.

Before his death Michelangelo attempted to have all his drawings burnt, regarding them as inferior work, drawn purely for the purpose of preparation for his sculptures and paintings. Fortunately for us Michelangelo was unable to complete the destruction and many of his beautiful drawings (many done in red chalk) have survived.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• J.S.
• Bach
• Michelangelo
• Pietà
• St
• John
• Passion
• Jesus
• Christ
• Mary
• Karl
• Richter
• Sistine
• Chapel
• Peters
• Rome
• Florence
• Firenze
• sculpture
• Madonna

[freakmetalgirl80]

Strange cool combination, since Bach was Baroque, and Michelangelo renaissance, but fits perfectly!!

[maastrictisokokok]

YES YES YES YES YES YES

[angela44ize]

The essenence of a genuine tribute to these two gigantic Geniuses...Art in Music & Renaissance sculpture & paintings!!

[jfquirosreyes]

Perfect combination of the absolute delicacy of the Signora and the excelsity of Bach

[TheAaronmoses]

Oh, ist das ergreifend schön ... Tausend Dank ....

Sorry for using my father's tongue, to express my feelings ... Aaron.

[pawzbears]

Thank you for putting this together! It a great tribute to Bach and Michelangelo.

[FriendlyCroock]

OMG O_O