Remarks on the metric-rhythmic structure of P. Baffi’s translation of the first Pindaric Pythian

Abstract

Starting from the investigation of the rediscovered translation of P. Baffi’s Pindaric Pythian ode 1, the present contribution provides, after a concise introduction, a brief status quaestionis about this subject (Chap. 1.1) and offers a first analytical and reasoned study about the metric characteristics of Baffi’s version by presenting a table of the ratio metrica (Chap. 1.2). In order to favor a more correct contextualization, it will be proceed to investigate the metric-rhythmic patterns and the versification of the other Italian translations in the period between 1631 and 1824, or of the previous authors (Chap. 2.1) and later (until 1824 ) (Chap. 2.2), in order to highlight canonicity, metric, compositional and ideal variations and evolutions concerning the rendering of this famous Pindaric composition through summary concluding notes (Chap. 3). In the appendix, at the end of the paper the complete transcription of the baffian version (accompanied by a critical apparatus) and then the general bibliography will be provided.