dithyramb

The term may also refer to any poem in an inspired irregular strain, or to a statement or piece of writing in an exalted impassioned style, usually in praise of a particular subject. Modern examples include Friedrich Nietzsche's Dithyrambs of Dionysus (1891) and Gabriele d'Annunzio's “Alcyone” (1904).

The Greek original was the name for a passionate choral hymn, typically to Dionysus. Since then, dithyramb came to mean a poem with similar passion, and then any type of writing or speech that bursts with enthusiasm. A love letter could be called a dithyramb.

Definition of 'dithyramb' 1. (in ancient Greece) a passionate choral hymn in honour of Dionysus: the forerunner of Greek drama. 2. any utterance or a piece of writing that resembles this.

During the festival a contest was held in which dithyrambs were performed, usually with a dancing chorus responding to a soloist who also sang and danced.

Arion, the singer mentioned in Herodotus who was saved by dolphins, is reputed to have invented the Satyr-dithyramb, which had mime elements.

Arion Arion, semilegendary Greek poet and musician of Methymna in Lesbos. He is said to have invented the dithyramb (choral poem or chant performed at the festival of Dionysus); that is, he gave it literary form.

Dithyrambs were sung by choirs at Delos, but the literary fragments that have survived are largely Athenian. In Athens, dithyrambs were sung by a Greek chorus of up to fifty men or boys dancing in circular formation, who may or may not have been dressed as Satyrs, probably accompanied by the aulos.

The earliest origins of drama are to be found in Athens where ancient hymns, called dithyrambs, were sung in honor of the god Dionysus. These hymns were later adapted for choral processions in which participants would dress up in costumes and masks.

The earliest origins of drama are to be found in Athens where ancient hymns, called dithyrambs, were sung in honor of the god Dionysus. These hymns were later adapted for choral processions in which participants would dress up in costumes and masks.

The earliest origins of drama are to be found in Athens where ancient hymns, called dithyrambs, were sung in honor of the god Dionysus. These hymns were later adapted for choral processions in which participants would dress up in costumes and masks.

a Greek choral song or chant of vehement or wild character and of usually irregular form, originally in honor of Dionysus or Bacchus. any poem or other composition having similar characteristics, as an impassioned or exalted theme or irregular form.

Dithyrambs provide the first link to Dionysus and performance. These were odes sung to honor the god, and can be seen used by a tragic chorus in Euripides' The Bacchae. The comedic versions of these songs, called “phallic songs” can be called the origins of comedy.