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PUBLIC GAMES OF GREECE. 49 |
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The fragments which remain of Alcman's verses do not justify the immense fame which he 6eems to have enjoyed in Greece. Alcman was preceded by Thaletas of Crete, who was sent for by the Spartans 620 B. c. to sing tu the Gods, in order that Sparta might be freed from a severe plague, which was then* ravaging the state. The plague ceased, and Thaletas for a time stood at the head of all Spartan music. That country as above mentioned, either would not, or could not encourage home talent.
Sacadas of Argos came soon after with a yet more luxurious style, and introduced the flute as an accompaniment to chorus music.
To this foggy period of history, also belongs Tisias of Himera, who made an indelible impression on Greek music. He was the first who regulated the motions of the chorus, and who reduced chorus singing to a settled system; from the fact that at one period of the song, (the epode, or finale) he made the chorus stand quiet, instead of dancing he received the nickname of " Stesicho-rus." In some of the works of Stesichorus, one can easily see the germ of the choruses of Aeschylus or Sophocles.*
If in the ancient Grecian music, the composer, poet, and performer seem to be spoken of in common, the reader must recollect that in those days, all three branches of the art were united in one individual. It will also aid some readers, if we define here what the functions of the Greek |
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