The Bride of Messina and On the Use of the Chorus in Tragedy

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, New Age, History, Fiction & Literature
Cover of the book The Bride of Messina and On the Use of the Chorus in Tragedy by Friedrich Schiller, Library of Alexandria
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Friedrich Schiller ISBN: 9781465554543
Publisher: Library of Alexandria Publication: March 8, 2015
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Friedrich Schiller
ISBN: 9781465554543
Publisher: Library of Alexandria
Publication: March 8, 2015
Imprint:
Language: English
On these grounds I might safely leave the chorus to be its own advocate, if we had ever seen it presented in an appropriate manner. But it must be remembered that a dramatic composition first assumes the character of a whole by means of representation on the stage. The poet supplies only the words, to which, in a lyrical tragedy, music and rhythmical motion are essential accessories. It follows, then, that if the chorus is deprived of accompaniments appealing so powerfully to the senses, it will appear a superfluity in the economy of the drama—a mere hinderance to the development of the plot—destructive to the illusion of the scene, and wearisome to the spectators. To do justice to the chorus, more especially if our aims in poetry be of a grand and elevated character, we must transport ourselves from the actual to a possible stage. It is the privilege of art to furnish for itself whatever is requisite, and the accidental deficiency of auxiliaries ought not to confine the plastic imagination of the poet. He aspires to whatever is most dignified, he labors to realize the ideal in his own mind—though in the execution of his purpose he must needs accommodate himself to circumstances.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
On these grounds I might safely leave the chorus to be its own advocate, if we had ever seen it presented in an appropriate manner. But it must be remembered that a dramatic composition first assumes the character of a whole by means of representation on the stage. The poet supplies only the words, to which, in a lyrical tragedy, music and rhythmical motion are essential accessories. It follows, then, that if the chorus is deprived of accompaniments appealing so powerfully to the senses, it will appear a superfluity in the economy of the drama—a mere hinderance to the development of the plot—destructive to the illusion of the scene, and wearisome to the spectators. To do justice to the chorus, more especially if our aims in poetry be of a grand and elevated character, we must transport ourselves from the actual to a possible stage. It is the privilege of art to furnish for itself whatever is requisite, and the accidental deficiency of auxiliaries ought not to confine the plastic imagination of the poet. He aspires to whatever is most dignified, he labors to realize the ideal in his own mind—though in the execution of his purpose he must needs accommodate himself to circumstances.

More books from Library of Alexandria

Cover of the book Married Life: The True Romance by Friedrich Schiller
Cover of the book Ophiolatreia by Friedrich Schiller
Cover of the book Known to the Police by Friedrich Schiller
Cover of the book Franklin Kane by Friedrich Schiller
Cover of the book Our Artist in Cuba, Peru, Spain and Algiers Leaves from The Sketch-Book of a Traveller, 1864-1868 by Friedrich Schiller
Cover of the book A Russian Gentleman by Friedrich Schiller
Cover of the book La vie littéraire (Complete) by Friedrich Schiller
Cover of the book El Capitán Veneno: The Hispanic Series by Friedrich Schiller
Cover of the book Vedânta-Sûtras: Part II by Friedrich Schiller
Cover of the book Himalayan Journals by Friedrich Schiller
Cover of the book The Vice Bondage of a Great City or the Wickedest City in the World by Friedrich Schiller
Cover of the book Story of Orestes: A Condensation of the Trilogy by Friedrich Schiller
Cover of the book I Rossi E I Neri (Complete) by Friedrich Schiller
Cover of the book Supernatural Religion, Vol. I. (of III) an inquiry into The Reality of Divine Revelation by Friedrich Schiller
Cover of the book The Legal Position of the Clergy by Friedrich Schiller
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy