chorus (drama)

chorus in the drama of ancient Greece. Originally the chorus seems to have arisen from the singing of the dithyramb , and the dithyrambic chorus allegedly became a true dramatic chorus when Thespis in the 6th cent. BC introduced the actor. First the chorus as a participating actor tied the histrionic interludes together; later, as a narrator, it commented on the action and divided it, creating acts. And as tragedy developed the chorus shrank in size and actors increased in number. Aeschylus began with a chorus of 50, but the number was soon decreased to 12. Sophocles used a chorus of 15. In the 3d cent. BC the comic chorus contained only seven persons and in the 2d cent. BC only four, the tragic chorus having disappeared altogether. The chorus had ceased to play a vital part in the drama; Euripides assigned to it lyrics not necessarily integrated with the action. Ultimately it was dispensed with in comedy as well.

chorus in Greek drama and dramatic pieces modelled thereon XVI; band of singers XVII; musical composition to be sung by this; refrain or burden XVIII. — L. — Gr. khorós dance, band of dancers, choir.

cho·rus / ˈkôrəs/ • n. (pl. -rus·es ) 1. a large organized group of singers, esp. one that performs together with an orchestra or opera company. ∎  a group of singers or dancers performing together in a supporting role in a stage musical or opera. ∎  a piece of choral music, esp. one forming part of a larger work such as an opera or oratorio. ∎  a part of a song that is repeated after each verse, typically by more than one singer. ∎  a simple song for group singing, esp. in informal Christian worship. 2. (in ancient Greek tragedy) a group of performers who comment on the main action, typically speaking and moving together. ∎  a simultaneous utterance of something by many people: a growing chorus of complaint. ∎  a single character who speaks the prologue and other linking parts of the play, esp. in Elizabethan drama. ∎  a section of text spoken by the chorus in drama. ∎  a device used with an amplified musical instrument to give the impression that more than one instrument is being played: [as adj.] a chorus pedal. • v. (-rused , -rus·ing ) [tr.] (of a group of people) say the same thing at the same time: they chorused a noisy amen.