Choral Constructions in Greek Culture: The Idea of the Chorus in the Poetry, Art and Social Practices of the Archaic and Early Classical Period

The Greeks of the archaic and early Classical period joined in choruses that sang and danced on public and private occasions, as this book demonstrates. The study explores how participation in choral song and dance shaped communal experience and interacted with various spheres, including weaving, cataloguing, temple architecture, and inscribing. It also examines how choral activity generated epiphanies and allowed viewers and participants access to realms beyond their perception.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 783 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Greeks of the archaic and early Classical periods actively participated in choruses that sang and danced on both public and private occasions. This captivating book delves into a comprehensive examination of representations of chorality in the poetry, art, and material remains of early Greece. Through this exploration, it becomes evident that chorality held a paramount significance in the social, religious, and technological practices of individuals and communities.

The discussion begins by exploring choral archetypes, including cauldrons, columns, Gorgons, ships, and halcyons. These archetypes serve as foundational elements that shed light on the broader themes of chorality. Subsequently, the focus shifts to examining how participation in choral song and dance shaped communal experiences and interacted with diverse spheres such as weaving, cataloguing, temple architecture, and inscribing.

The study concludes with a thoughtful treatment of the role of choral activity in generating epiphanies and providing viewers and participants with access to realms that typically lie beyond their ordinary perception. By delving into the rich tapestry of choral representations in early Greece, this book offers a profound understanding of the centrality of chorality in the lives of the Greeks and its profound impact on their social, religious, and technological practices.

ISBN-13: 9781107527577