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John McCarthy reflects on the significance of the PietΓ  in art, and the act of carrying others in times of adversity. With sculptor Antony Gormley, as well as music and readings.

John McCarthy explores the significance of the PietΓ  in art and life. With Antony Gormley

John McCarthy discusses the significance of the PietΓ  in art and in life with sculptor Antony Gormley, and the act of carrying others in times of adversity.

Gormley's love of PietΓ s begins with Michelangelo's work of the same name which can be seen in St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City. But his real affection is for Michelangelo's last sculpture: The Rondanini Pieta, where the relationship between the figures of Mary and Christ is much more ambiguous.

Also in the programme, Paul and Ruth describe the way in which they've carried their daughter Maddie for many years due to her multiple disabilities. She's now a teenager and they regard the carrying of her as an on going act of their love for her.

The programme includes music by Vivaldi, Prophets of the Fall, Sarah McLachlan, The Hollies and Morten Lauridsen. And writing by Elizabeth Jennings, Tess Gallagher and Sebastian Faulks.

Produced by Rosie Boulton
Presented by John McCarthy
A Whistledown Production for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

28 minutes

Last on

New Year's Day 2023 06:05
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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Music Played

  • Antonio Vivaldi

    Stabat Mater RV 621

    Performer: Andreas Scholl / Ensemble 415/ Chiara Banchini

    • Stabat Mater.
    • Harmonia Mundi.
    • HMX2901571.
    • 16.

  • Marko Saaresto, Olli Tukiainen

    Cradled in Love

    Performer: Poets of the Fall

    • Temple of Thought.
    • Remote.
    • B007FEHA1G.
    • 3.

  • Sarah McLachlan

    Angel

    Performer: Sarah McLachlan

    • Closer – The Best of Sarah McLachlan.
    • Sony Music CMG.
    • B0038QGUA2.
    • 1.

  • Bobby Scott and Bob Russell

    He Ain't Heavy, He's my Brother

    Performer: The Hollies

    • The Hollies 20 Golden Greats.
    • EMI.
    • B001JL9TIS.
    • 20.

  • Morten Lauridsen

    O Magnum Mysterium

    Performer: Polyphony. Britten Sinfonia/ Stephen Layton

    • Lux Aeterna.
    • Hyperion.
    • CDA67449.
    • 14.

Broadcasts

  • Sun 7 Apr 2013 06:05
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
  • Sun 7 Apr 2013 23:30
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
  • New Year's Day 2023 06:05
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4