Episode 232: Orchestra

(Intro & piano music)

The Ancient Greek Theatre has many parts and each of them has their specific function within Greek Drama. I won't talk about all of them but , in the centre was Θυμέλη (thimeli), the altar of Dionysus since theatre was part of the festivals celebrating him. Πάροδοι (parodae), on the sides the entrances and exits. Σκηνή (scene) the Stage at the forefront and raised. Προσκήνιο (proscenium) ,the painted pillars in front of the stage that formed the set  and behind it, was the big open space where the chorus would sing and dance. That part was named after the Greek word for 'dance' όρχηση (orchisi). As theatre progressed, the space was used by the Romans for the area of officials and later the French, would use it for the place where the musicians stood and accompanied a play. And that's how it became synonymous to any large group of musicians. ΟΡΧΗΣΤΡΑ/ORCHESTRA

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