Chorus adds a swirling property to a sound that it is applied to, thickening the sound. Learn. In providing a commentary on the action, for instance, the chorus would serve to establish a much closer connection between the audience and what was happening on stage. http://www.theatrehistory.com/ancient/chorus001.html. They interfere with dramatic probability and … The Chorus are also used as a sort of receptive audience for passages of description over what has gone on behind closed doors (e.g. Its standard role is that of the moderator. The chorus in Romeo and Juliet is one person. The Greek chorus was made of three to 50 men, who would introduce the play and sing at different intervals to pass comment on it. The chorus as ancient lyrical genre mostly focused on myths and in the drama of classicism, the chorus returned as a more natural and foremost reliable figure. In allowing the chorus to become an intrinsic part of the action, Aeschylus was also enabling the audience to experience a deeper moral engagement with the play. Sometimes the chorus provides a change of the scene which the audience can imagine. In some plays choral odes are clearly connected to plot development, but in others they serve as poetic and visual interludes with only tenuous connections to the main plot. Created by. The Function of the Chorus in Henry V "O for a muse of fire," The Chorus introduces the start of Henry V with imagery of flames and war. The history of chorus goes back to: the ancient Greeks. A refrain is a repetitive phrase or phrases that serve the function of a chorus lyrically, but are not in a separate section or long enough to be a chorus. Through the explicit analysis of the function of the chorus, I hope to shed light on the similarities and differences in their duty within the respective plays. As the importance of the actors increased, the choral odes became fewer in number and tended to have less importance in the plot, until at last they became mere decorative interludes separating the acts. It's at their plea… Top subjects are Literature, History, and Business. Chorus, in drama and music, those who perform vocally in a group as opposed to those who perform singly. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/art/chorus-theatre. Also, they represent in some way the deeply embedded patriarchal (male-dominated) society that Antigone defies. Sophocles, who added a third actor, increased the chorus to 15 but reduced it to a mainly commentarial role in most of his plays (for an example of this role as shown in the play Oedipus the King, see video) . However, there are modern instances of the chorus. The chorus in Classical Greek drama was a group of actors who described and commented upon the main action of a play with song, dance, and recitation. In music, chorus refers to the organized body of singers in opera, oratorio, cantata, and church music; to compositions sung by such bodies; to the refrain of a song, sung by a group of singers, between verses for solo voice; and, as a medieval Latin term, to the crwth (the bowed lyre of medieval Wales) and to the bagpipe. The role of the chorus in drama is much like the role of the narrator of a novel or story. It generally expresses a longing for calm and stability. One example that comes to mind is Little Shop of Horrors, which uses a singing "chorus" to great effect, with narration and humorous commentary. This is an ancient technique in drama, for example, in Oedipus Rex. The chorus consisted of a group of 12 to 50 players who spoke or sang their lines in unison, wore masks, and functioned as one actor rather than a large group of many performers. The position of the chorus in Greek drama was by no means static, and it developed gradually over time. In Antigone the Chorus is made up of a group of old Theban men. The first is foreshadowing. They're probably old men because most of the young ones have just died in battle. He is merely a tool to … Most sound cards that have an onboard MIDI sound set contain both chorus and reverb. The role of the chorus is to aid in the overall development of the play and to represent the views of the Thebans - Provides information about the human, political and religious conditions in Greece - Reinforces traditional Greek values - Represents view of Sophocles It represented traditional moral, religious,: and social attitudes. Chorus definition is - a company of singers and dancers in Athenian drama participating in or commenting on the action; also : a similar company in later plays. The Function of Chorus in Greek Drama. in chorus, in unison; with all speaking or singing simultaneously: They responded in chorus to the minister's questions. His theatrical innovation drew the ire of Aristotle, among others, who accused him of diminishing the chorus's stature. What are examples of metaphors describing someone who has zits, has frizzy hair, is smart,... What are some good metaphors or similes that reveal intelligence, determination, motivation, strength, perfection or persistence? History and Etymology for choragus Latin & Greek; Latin choragus, from Greek choragos, chorēgos, from choros chorus + agein to lead — more at agent Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral (1935). This would allow the playwright more effectively to control the overall mood of the play. Test. Definition of chorus. During the Renaissance the role of the chorus was revised. Updates? after Jocasta has realised the truth the second messenger describes the scene inside theporch In the middle of the 6th century bce, the poet Thespis reputedly became the first true actor when he engaged in dialogue with the chorus leader. We’ve discounted annual subscriptions by 50% for our End-of-Year sale—Join Now! In this way, the chorus participates in the dialogue throughout the drama. The chorus is meant to be made up of everyday folk watching the story unfold just as the audience is, and providing feedback or advice to the more prominent characters. Choragus definition is - the leader of a chorus or choir; broadly : the leader of any group or movement. The history of chorus goes back to: the ancient Greeks. The Chorus reacts to events as they happen, generally in a predictable, though not consistent, way. What are some examples of metaphors to describe someone? STUDY. In effect, the chorus was no longer confined to the stage; it also interacted with the audience. The statements inside the function do not get executed until the function is called, and the function definition generates no output […] The chorus tells the audience hints and clues as to what will occur later in the play. The terms chorus and refrain are often used interchangeably, both referring to a recurring part of a song. The chorus in Classical Greek drama was a group of actors who described and commented upon the main action of a play with song, dance, and recitation. Start your 48-hour free trial and unlock all the summaries, Q&A, and analyses you need to get better grades now. Match. 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