Alcman (Alkman)

Alcman, Alkman, from Sardis in Lydia, VII in. BC. e., Greek lyric poet. He lived in Sparta, where he was director of choruses for whom composing melodies, put the words and worked out dance moves to the song. He is the first known to us from surviving fragments of Greek poet who wrote songs for the choir. It is probable that he created a new poetic forms, elevating to the rank of literature improvised songs, which until then had been primarily musical and dance compositions. A. knew the value of his talent. Alexandrian scholars gathered Song A. 6 books. At least two of them contained Parfenov (songs for chorus girls), who brought the greatest poet of the recognition. A. also wrote hymns, peany, gipofegmaty (dance song), erotic (love songs), and how, from whom survived only short excerpts.

Best preserved song (approx. 100 verses), found on papyrus, a Parfenov, written to commemorate Diana Orfii. Lyrics composed of several separate parts connected by formulas, denoting the end of one and the beginning of another story. These subjects were: the glorification of the heroes of ancient Sparta, thinking about the power of the gods and the impermanence of human life arising from the moral precepts, and then praise the individual member of the choir, who performed a song and dance to it. Intonation of the preserved part of the song chamber, free, delicacy and elegance of the descriptions of the girls, who, however, are not devoid of humorous notes.

Such is the nature of other smaller fragments, which are distinguished by ease, combined with the internal integrity of the poet, carefree related to their position. Thinly feeling for nature, a. drew inspiration from the singing of birds, which beckoned him to her. He created a beautiful bold metaphors, referring, for example, sea foam, flower wave ", and forested mountains - chest dark night". Extremely well known fragment, nowadays called "Nocturne", which is apt and at the same time captivating verse describes the deep peace of nature, when the world fell overnight. With the wealth of metrics, A. become a model for later poets, who wrote choral lyrics. In Sparta, where for several centuries, he was deeply honored, he was a monument. He diligently read the Alexandrian scholars and poets, relegating him to a place of honor among 9 of the canonical poets. In the new era is widely known was only the "Nocturne" by A., who among other shifted Goethe.