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Choral lyric refers to a genre of ancient Greek poetry traditionally sung by a choir, often accompanied by a lyre or aulos (double-reed pipe). This form of poetry was distinct from melic poetry, which was sung by a single performer. Choral lyric was typically written in a Doric dialect and was associated with religious cults or the celebration of victors in athletic games.12

Key poets in this genre include Alcman of Sparta, Stesichorus, Simonides of Ceos, and Pindar, who is considered the supreme poet of choral lyric. His odes primarily honored victors of the great Hellenic games. Bacchylides was another significant poet of choral lyric, known for his victory odes and mythical digressions.1

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. Greek literature - Lyric poetry
  2. lyric

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