Orts #973
- Erbarme Dich (from Bach's St Matthew Passion) -
Polish poet and novelist Adam Zagajewski (1945- ) calls Erbarme Dich “the center and the synthesis of western music.”
Violinist Yehudi Menuhin (1916-1999) called the aria's lamenting solo violin obligato “the most beautiful piece of music ever written for the violin.”
The best performance ever is here:
https://youtu.be/nZb7FcP84CM
Erbarme dich, mein Gott, Have mercy, my God,
Um meiner Zähren willen! for the sake of my tears!
Schaue hier, Herz und Auge See here, before you
Weint vor dir bitterlich. heart and eyes weep bitterly.
Erbarme dich, mein Gott. Have mercy, my God.
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The Invention—and Reinvention—of Impeachment
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/10/28/the-invention-and-reinvention-of-impeachment
A long but fascinating piece of history by the always magnificent Jill Lepore
from the New Yorker, October 28, 2019
The closing sentence: “The impeachment of an American President is certain to lead to no end of political mischief and almost certain to fail. Still, worse could happen. Heaven forbid this Republic should become one man’s kingdom.”
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Happy Resurrection, Y’All