Symphony No. 1 - The Borgias: 2. Nepotism - Otto M. Schwarz

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Recorded by THE LUXEMBOURG MILITARY BAND & Colonel Lieutant Jean Claude Braun on IOMSDD069

Grade 4 - Duration: 09:15



2. NEPOTISM
Rodrigo Borgia was elected Pope on 11 August 1492. From the very start, the new pope was prepared to use any means to eliminate his opponents, either through the infamous ‘Borgia poison’ or by excommunication and execution. His son Cesare, who wanted little to do with the church, was appointed cardinal against his will. Alessandro Farnese, broth of Giulia Farnese, the Pope’s mistress, also became a cardinal. Numerous Spaniards were brought into the country and were appointed to ecclesiastical posts. This infuriated the opponents of Alexander VI. The Dominican Girolamo Savonarola from Florence demanded the removal of the Pope. He was tortured and banned. Giuliano della Rovere wanted to convene councils to depose the Pope, which Alexander managed to prevent through artful political manoeuvrings. Through great brutality, brilliant political skill and power games, this pope was able to achieve his goal of leaving for his children a great legacy. Alexander VI constantly changed his allies and always acted unscrupulously to improve his financial situation and expand his sphere of influence. At the centre of the second movement of this work is the medieval hymn Dies Irae (Day of Wrath), which acts as a warning in the background condemning the Pope’s actions."

SDP142-22-02