Terpsichore

For the fern genus, see Terpsichore (fern).

Terpsichore, Muse of Music and Dance, an oil on canvas painting by Jean-Marc Nattier (1739).

In Greek mythology, Terpsichore (pronounced /tərpˈsɪkəri/) (Τερψιχόρη) "delight of dancing" was one of the nine Muses, ruling over dance and the dramatic chorus. She lends her name to the word "terpsichorean" which means "of or relating to dance". She is usually depicted sitting down, holding a lyre, accompanying with her music to the dancers' choirs. She is sometimes said to be the mother of the Sirens by Achelous. Her name comes from the Greek words τέρπω ("delight") and χoρός ("dance").

[edit] Historical references

• Terpsichore figures among her sisters in Hesiod's Theogony.
• "Terpsichore" is the title of a large collection of dance tunes collected by Michael Praetorius, some originating with Pierre-Francisque Caroubel.
• Terpsichore is also found in Couperin's "Second Ordre" from the "Pieces de clavecin".
• Terpsichore is also found in the third version (HWV 8c) of Handel's opera Il pastor fido. This opera is sometimes referred to as Terpsicore and Il pastor fido.

[edit] See also

• Muses in popular culture

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Terpsichore

• (81) Terpsichore is the name of a 119km diameter minor planet (asteroid).