The essay delves into the catastrophic plague of 1575-1578, exploring how this calamitous event became a profound and evocative source of creative inspiration within the lyric tradition of Venetian Mannerism. Following a thorough review of existing studies on plague songs, the discussion spotlights three Italian compositions by Giovan Battista Maganza, a distinguished member of the Accademia Olimpica of Vicenza. This contribution places particular emphasis on Maganza's deliberate construction of highly hybrid and polyphonic works, where the refined lyrical stylization of mature Petrarchism converges with a dynamic spiritual and heroic fervor. By centering on the figure of King David—a fusion of poetry, faith, and power—the essay meticulously examines various interpretations of the plague theme in Maganza's oeuvre and the poetic sublimation of this extraordinary catastrophic subject in the late-century literary landscape. To substantiate the proposed arguments, the essay concludes with an analysis of another notable instance of Venetian plague poetry, focusing on a poignant plague-song by Giuseppe Policreti.
La peste, David e una nuova tensione verso il sublime. Qualche appunto intorno ad alcune canzoni sulla peste di Venezia del 1576
Edoardo Zorzan
2024-01-01
Abstract
The essay delves into the catastrophic plague of 1575-1578, exploring how this calamitous event became a profound and evocative source of creative inspiration within the lyric tradition of Venetian Mannerism. Following a thorough review of existing studies on plague songs, the discussion spotlights three Italian compositions by Giovan Battista Maganza, a distinguished member of the Accademia Olimpica of Vicenza. This contribution places particular emphasis on Maganza's deliberate construction of highly hybrid and polyphonic works, where the refined lyrical stylization of mature Petrarchism converges with a dynamic spiritual and heroic fervor. By centering on the figure of King David—a fusion of poetry, faith, and power—the essay meticulously examines various interpretations of the plague theme in Maganza's oeuvre and the poetic sublimation of this extraordinary catastrophic subject in the late-century literary landscape. To substantiate the proposed arguments, the essay concludes with an analysis of another notable instance of Venetian plague poetry, focusing on a poignant plague-song by Giuseppe Policreti.
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