A strophe is a contrasting, and often semi-musical, element of theater dating back to the ancient Greek tragedies that are still often performed in modern theater venues. It is part of a dialectical setup, where the strophe is followed by an antistrophe. These two parts form pieces of “odes” or similar structures within drama and poetry. The strophe is well known as an element of classic Greek theater, but can be applied to other forms of art.
The most common form of dramatic strophe is something that provides a structure for rhythmic, musical, or chanting performance. Experts point out that common forms of strophes involve a Greek chorus, a classic setup in Greek tragedies. This group of performers chants, speaks or sings a strophe, which provides part of that group’s voice relevant to the evolving drama. The chorus is an established part of Greek theater that plays a defined role in the unfolding of the drama.
The Greek meaning of the word “strophe” provides some context for its use in drama and poetry. Synonyms for this word in English include twisting or turning. In its technical sense, the strophe can mean an individual revolving from one side to another. In dramatic context, it often refers to the voice moving to the opposite side of the chorus. More generally, someone could use this word in different art forms for a more general stage direction or dramatic event.
This term has also been adopted for a more modern form of poetry, which is also called the ode. An ode in poetry is classically understood as an homage to a person, thing, or place. In this case, the strophe is a particular stanza that is crafted in a unique way, in two or more lines, that works as an individual unit, contrasted to a second concluding stanza.
It’s important to note that musicians also sometimes talk about strophic forms, which are relevant to the way that many songs are crafted in different genres. Some people call this a “verse chorus verse” structure. Here, the concept of the alternating technique is applied to parts of a song that complement each other.
Not all of those involved in song-writing, drama, or other arts are familiar with strophes. Some might confuse these with a word like “apostrophe,” which punctuates English text. Strophes, on the other hand, fall largely into a wide category of words and phrases that determine the cadence, structure, and form of art in several forms.
