Stasima

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Sections of choral odes in ancient Greek tragedy placed between episodes; stanzas of lyrical poetry designed to reflect on the action or theme
2. Divisions in classical Greek plays where the chorus performs elaborate songs commenting on the plot; structured lyrical segments interspersed in dramatic works
3. Parts of the dithyrambic chorus in Greek theater occurring between scenes; musical and poetic interludes that offer thematic insights during a tragedy

Etymology: "Stasima" is the plural of "stasimon", and the singular is the more revealing form. It comes from Ancient Greek "stásimon", meaning "stationary," from the same root as "stasis." The name refers to the chorus's fixed position: in Greek tragedy the chorus took up its place in the orchestra, the circular performance space, and sang its song there, while the actors had withdrawn. The term therefore describes where the performers stood rather than what they sang. The sense of "stasis" as a standing still runs through the whole family of words. The same root gives English "stasis," a state of balance or inactivity, and "static." A song defined by a stationary chorus is a neat piece of naming: the ode did not move the drama forward the way dialogue did, so the chorus stood still while it reflected on the action.

Synonyms: choral ode, chorus song, choral interlude, choral passage, choral section