Epic Maggio of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines (folk opera tradition)

Literary/ Cultural Context Essay

Jo Ann Cavallo (Columbia University)

Ed. by Jo Ann Cavallo, Columbia University
The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.6.1: Italian Writing and Culture, 453-present.
Vol. editors: Carla Bregman (Independent Scholar - North America), Jo Ann Cavallo (Columbia University)

Domains

Folk Music
Theatre

Dates

Date of occurrence 1500-

Places

Italy (Location)

Genres and Modes

Adaptation
Epic

Resources

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Recommended Reading

The

maggio epico

, also called

maggio drammatico

to distinguish it from

maggi lirici

(springtime festival songs), has been linked to both ancient pagan spring festivals and medieval

sacre rappresentazioni

(religious plays) and has recently been shown to have antecedents in the Renaissance (Feo). Its specific origin, however, is a matter of conjecture due to scanty documentation prior to the early nineteenth century. It is believed to have originated in Tuscany, more precisely Lunigiana or Garfagnana, where it would have been encountered by Emilian shepherds and farmers during their seasonal migrations. It is suggestive to think that these two areas were part of the Ferrarese state ruled by the Estense dukes, under whose patronage were written the three major romance epics of the…

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3455 words

Citation: Cavallo, Jo Ann. "Epic Maggio of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines (folk opera tradition)". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 12 November 2018 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=19545, accessed 21 November 2024.]

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