Planctus

A "planctus" is a lament, or song or poem which expresses grief or mourning. It became a popular form in the Middle ages, when they were written both in Latin and the vernacular. A number of varieties have been identified by Peter Dronke. From the 9th century, they include dirges for the dead, particularly for royals or heroes, vernacular laments sung by women, Germanic songs of exile and journeying, and fictional planctus on biblical or classical themes. From the 12th century he identifies laments of the Virgin Mary (called a "planctus Mariae") and "complaintes d'amour" (complaints of love). [Grove, Planctus]

The earliest planctus for which music survives are from the 10th century, from manuscripts associated with the abbey of Saint Martial at Limoges. From the mid-thirteenth century survives an early Catalan Marian lament, "Augats, seyós qui credets Déu lo Payre".

References

*GroveOnline|Planctus|John Stevens|April 10|2007

Notes