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Notre Dame…

… up in flames.

Nearly a thousand years of history going up in flames.

********************

… Like a prodigious skeleton of fire
Leaving an immense void — twisted iron, indented
 clock wheels, broken muted bells.

   Foolish imposter doors which did not open
Hang in high galleries. Perforated the great
 roses — intense blues, purples,

   Reds so warm and vigorous which burnished
The rays of the midday sun. The gargoyles drip
 heavy tears. I hear the bells falling.

   Wind is raging among the naves and corpses.

— Daisy Aldan, The Destruction of Cathedrals.

*********************

From the Notre Dame School of Polyphony (1160-1250).

Margaret Soltan, April 15, 2019 12:51PM
Posted in: headline of the day

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4 Responses to “Notre Dame…”

  1. Ravi Narasimhan Says:

    I was happy to remember that the cathedral was mapped internally and externally by laser scanners. This could help restoration efforts. When I looked up the work, I was saddened to learn that the project leader, Prof. Andrew Tallon of Vassar, died last year aged only 49.

    https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/289565-notre-dame-is-burning-a-digital-archive-could-hold-the-key-to-restoring-it

  2. Margaret Soltan Says:

    Ravi: Many thanks for the link to that article. I read some obituaries for Tallon, who seems to have been an exceptional scholar and a wonderful human being. I note that his obituary asks that donations be made to NYC’s Holy Trinity Church.

  3. Ravi Narasimhan Says:

    The GoFundMe site to support his family has received several donations since yesterday. People are hearing of him and are showing their appreciation.
    https://www.gofundme.com/AndrewTallon

    It is beyond unfortunate that families all over have to fundraise like this when illness strikes.

  4. Margaret Soltan Says:

    Ravi: Thanks for linking to the GoFundMe site, which I’ve been reading. Clearly a wonderful man, whose important work will survive him.

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