Something Understood

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BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

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Religion & Ethics

Ethical and religious discussion that examines some of the larger questions of life

Ethical and religious discussion that examines some of the larger questions of life, taking a spiritual theme and exploring it through music, prose and poetry

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Something Understood: 07/04/2013

07/04/2013

BBC Radio 4 - Something Understood, 07/04/2013

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

John McCarthy reflects on the significance of the Pietà 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 Pietà in art and life. With Antony Gormley

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

Gormley's love of Pietàs 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 BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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Something Understood

07/04/2013

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