Tra narrazione biblica e performatività liturgica: il Planctus virginum Israel super filia Iepte Galadite di Abelardo

Abstract

The Planctus virginum Israel super filia Iepte Galadite is the best known of six poems for music unanimously attributed to Abelard, generally known as the planctus. Reconsideration of some significant moments in the patristic and medieval Latin tradition of reworking and commentary of the biblical episode which is the subject of the planctus (Judges 10-12), reveals Abelard’s peculiar approach as a reflection of his view of feminine sanctity. Moreover, analysis of the planctus highlights the complexity of its structure: the story, framed by the mimesis of a commemorative liturgical celebration, unfolds partly in narrative, partly in dialogical form, constantly stressing its visual and dramatic dimension.