What Is The Etymological Relationship Between The Homeric Greek Word ' Mélos' (μέλος) Meaning 'song' Or 'tune', And The Later Development Of The Term 'melos' (μέλος) In Attic Tragedy To Denote The Musical Component Of A Choral Ode, And How Might This Shift In Meaning Reflect The Evolution Of Musical Practice And Cultural Values In Ancient Greece From The Archaic To The Classical Period?
The term 'mélos' (μέλος) in ancient Greek undergoes a significant evolution from its origins in Homeric literature to its use in Attic tragedy, reflecting broader cultural and artistic shifts.
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Homeric Context (Archaic Period): In Homer's works, 'mélos' refers broadly to song or tune, often associated with epic poetry recited or sung by bards, accompanied by instruments like the lyre. This reflects the unity of music and poetry in Archaic culture, where communal gatherings reinforced shared identity through song.
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Attic Tragedy (Classical Period): In the context of tragedy, 'melos' becomes specialized, denoting the musical component of choral odes. This specificity highlights the chorus's role in providing emotional and dramatic commentary, emphasizing the integration of music into theatrical structure.
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Cultural and Artistic Evolution: The shift from a general to a specific term mirrors the development of more structured and nuanced art forms. The rise of the polis and formalized theater led to a greater appreciation for technical aspects of performance, with music becoming a sophisticated element in storytelling.
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Linguistic and Theoretical Development: The term's evolution may also reflect advancements in music theory, where elements like instrumental techniques and scales were systematized, necessitating precise terminology.
In essence, 'mélos' transitions from a broad term in epic poetry to a specialized concept in tragedy, illustrating the cultural value placed on music's role in drama and the technical sophistication of Classical Greek theater.