Una scheda per il «Flaminio» di Federico e Pergolesi: «Benedetto, maledetto» tra memoria della scena ed equivoci del popolare

Abstract

Checca’s canzona ‘Benedetto, maledetto’, the shortest number in "Il Flaminio" (1735) by Gennaro Antonio Federico and Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, has often been considered to be a direct quotation or a convincing inimitation of a popular song. In fact, its poetic text derives from the comedy "La Tancia" (1611) by Michelangelo Buonarroti the Younger. In both works the scene shows a therapeutic strategy adopted to stop a (presumed) epileptic seizure. The symbols and rituals described by Buonarroti and Federico refer to popular beliefs that were widespread in Italy, and that were brought to the stage also by the actors of the commedia dell’arte. Igor Stravisky uses Pergolesi’s short piece to introduce the main character of his ballet "Pulcinella" (1920).