Riccardo Muti and Massimo Cacciari Discuss Masaccio's Crucifixion in New Book

A new book titled "Riccardo Muti, Le sette parole di Cristo. Dialogo con Massimo Cacciari" has been published by Il Mulino in the Icone series. It features a dialogue between conductor Riccardo Muti and philosopher Massimo Cacciari, centered on Masaccio's "Crocifissione" (Crucifixion), a panel painted in 1426 now housed at the Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte in Naples. The conversation explores the visual and emotional impact of the painting, particularly the figure of Mary Magdalene depicted from behind, whose red robe and outstretched arms convey a "metaphysical scream." Cacciari notes a "musical contrast" between Christ's headless posture and Magdalene's desperation. Art historian Roberto Longhi speculated that Magdalene was added later due to her undecorated halo. The dialogue also connects Masaccio's work to Franz Josef Haydn's 1786 composition "The Seven Last Words of Christ," with Muti interpreting the fifth sonata based on Christ's cry "Sitio" (I thirst). The book is 140 pages, costs €12, and was published in Bologna in 2020.