Domenico Bartolucci facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Domenico Bartolucci |
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|---|---|
| Cardinal-Deacon of Santissimi Nome di Gesù e Maria in Via Lata | |
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| Other posts | Director emeritus of the Sistine Chapel Choir |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 23 December 1939 |
| Created Cardinal | 20 November 2010 |
| Rank | Cardinal deacon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 7 May 1917 Borgo San Lorenzo, Kingdom of Italy |
| Died | 11 November 2013 (aged 96) Rome, Italy |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Motto | Psallam Deo meo (I will sing to my God) |
| Coat of arms |  |
Domenico Bartolucci (born May 7, 1917 – died November 11, 2013) was an Italian cardinal in the Catholic Church. He was a very important musician and composer. He used to lead the famous Sistine Chapel Choir. He also directed the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia.
Bartolucci was known for his amazing skill in directing music. He was especially good at performing the works of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. He led the Sistine Chapel Choir in many concerts around the world. He also toured with the Choir of the Academy of Santa Cecilia, even visiting the former Soviet Union.
On November 20, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI made him a cardinal. This is a very high rank in the Church. Because Bartolucci was over 80 years old, he could not vote for a new Pope.
Contents
Biography
Early Musical Journey
Domenico Bartolucci started his musical training very young. He joined a seminary in Florence, Italy. There, he was chosen to be a singer. When his teacher, Bagnoli, passed away, Bartolucci took over his role. He became the director of the Chapel of the Duomo of Florence. During this time, he began writing his own music. He composed masses, motets, and organ pieces. He also wrote madrigals and chamber music.
In late 1942, Bartolucci moved to Rome. He wanted to learn even more about sacred music. He worked as a Deputy Master at St. John Lateran. In 1947, he became the Master of the Liberian Choir at St. Mary Major. He took over from Licinio Refice. In 1952, Lorenzo Perosi suggested him for a new role. Bartolucci became the Deputy Master of the Sistine Chapel.
Leading the Sistine Chapel Choir
In 1956, Lorenzo Perosi died. Pope Pius XII then made Bartolucci the main director of the Pontifical Sistine Chapel Choir. He held this important position for many years. In 1997, Msgr. Giuseppe Liberto replaced Bartolucci. This change caused some discussion in the world of church music.
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was one of those who disagreed with the decision. Later, when Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI, he invited Bartolucci back. On June 24, 2006, Bartolucci directed a special concert in the Sistine Chapel. He performed old sacred music by Palestrina. He also included his own songs, like one dedicated to the Pope.
When Bartolucci took over, the Sistine Chapel Choir was not in its best shape. But with his hard work, and help from Pope John XXIII, the choir improved greatly. For 40 years, Bartolucci led the choir. They performed for papal events and toured many countries. These included Austria, France, Belgium, the Philippines, Australia, the United States, Poland, and Japan. During the Second Vatican Council, some changes were made to church services. Bartolucci worked hard to make sure that sacred music, especially Latin music, was still respected.
A Talented Composer
Bartolucci was also a dedicated teacher and composer. He was a child prodigy, meaning he was very talented from a young age. He wrote his first Mass when he was just 12 years old. His most famous Mass is called "Misa Jubilei." He wrote it in 1950.
He published over 40 volumes of his music. This included Masses, motets, and hymns. He also wrote music for orchestras, organs, and small groups of instruments. He created several oratorios, which are large musical works for singers and orchestra. His opera, Brunelleschi, which has three acts, has not yet been performed.
Bartolucci believed music should sound natural and spontaneous. He looked to Gregorian chant, Palestrina, and Verdi for inspiration. He deeply respected musical traditions. He described his music as having "a considerable severity of song and a certain limpid and solid polyphony". This means his music was clear, strong, and had many interwoven melodies.
Becoming a Cardinal
On October 20, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI announced something special. He would make Monsignor Bartolucci a cardinal. This happened at a ceremony called a consistory on November 20. The Pope recognized Bartolucci for his great service to the Church through sacred music. This is music used in important Catholic Church services, like Mass, weddings, and funerals.
Bartolucci was made a Cardinal-Deacon. His official title was Santissimi Nomi di Gesù e Maria in Via Lata, often called Gesù e Maria. When he became a cardinal, he was one of the oldest members of the group. Because he was over 80, he could not vote in any future election for a new Pope. Bartolucci was also excused from the rule that cardinals must be bishops.
His Passing
Domenico Bartolucci passed away on November 11, 2013. He was 96 years old. His funeral Mass was held at St. Peter's Basilica on November 13. Cardinal Angelo Sodano led the service. Pope Francis performed the final blessing. The Pope called Bartolucci "a dear and esteemed priest, illustrious composer, and musician." He said Bartolucci used his long life to serve through sacred music, which "is born of faith and expresses faith."
Honour
Italy: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (August 1, 1994)
See also
In Spanish: Domenico Bartolucci para niños
