Leonardo: Master of Ceremonies
BBC Radio 3
Charles Nicholl, Leonardo’s biographer, reveals a lesser known, but equally astonishing aspect of his work in Milan: his splendid pageants; operettas, masques and parades which he designed and directed as Master of Ceremonies.
Charles is fascinated by these transient masterpieces, which are equally important to the development of Leonardo’s work and which the artist carefully describes in his own writing. There are also vivid eye witness accounts. Charles re-imagines three of the most brilliant in their original settings, with Leonardo present at the Castello Sforzesco in Milan.
Produced by Kate Bland
Broadcast: October 2011