Complete Encyclopaedia of Music/A/Ancient theatres

Ancient theatres. These buildings were so constructed, originally, that the actors could not be heard at the extremity of the stage. The Greeks, therefore, contrived a plan to supply that defect, and to augment the tone of the voice, and make it more distinct and articulate. For this purpose they invented large copper vessels, which were disposed under the seats of the theatre in such a manner as made all sounds strike upon the ear with more force and distinctness. The orchestra was divided into three parts. The first and most considerable was more particularly called the orchestra, and was appropriated to the pantomimes and dancers. In the second part were placed those who sung in chorus; and in the third were disposed their symphony or band. The passion of the Athenians and all the Greeks for comedy and dramatic representation is inconceivable. Their eyes, ears, imagination, and understanding, all equally shared in the satisfaction. Nothing gave them so sensible a pleasure, however, as the strokes which were aimed at the affairs of the public. Frequently mere accident was the occasion of sudden application, which was very agreeable to the people. Upon the following couplet of Aeschylus being spoken upon the stage in praise of Amphiaraus, -

"'Tis his desire

Not to appear, but to be, great and good,"

the whole audience rose up, and unanimously applied it to another person. A similar circumstance happened to Philopoemen : at the instant he entered the theatre, they were singing, -

"He comes, to whom we owe Our liberty, the noblest good below;"

and all the Greeks east their eyes upon him, and with clapping of hands and acclamations of joy, expressed their veneration for the hero.