Refrain

Definition

A refrain is a repeated line or group of lines in a song or poem, often serving as a thematic anchor that reinforces the main idea or emotional core of the piece. In the context of folk singing, a refrain enhances the participatory nature of performances, making it easier for audiences to join in and remember key messages or themes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Lam Lao, refrains are crucial for engaging the audience and encouraging participation during performances.
2. Refrains in Lam Lao often summarize the central themes of storytelling, making it easier for listeners to grasp the message.
3. They can vary in form, sometimes being simple phrases or longer lines that create memorable hooks.
4. The use of refrains helps to establish a sense of community as people join together in singing them.
5. Refrains can also evoke emotional responses, enhancing the overall impact of the performance by emphasizing key moments in the narrative.

Review Questions

• How does the use of refrains in Lam Lao contribute to audience engagement during performances?
  • Refrains in Lam Lao are vital for audience engagement because they create moments for listeners to participate actively in the performance. By repeating catchy phrases or lines, performers invite the audience to sing along, which fosters a sense of community and shared experience. This participatory element not only enhances enjoyment but also aids in memorizing key themes, allowing everyone to connect more deeply with the story being told.
• Discuss the role of refrains in conveying themes within Lam Lao folk songs and how they influence listener interpretation.
  • Refrains play an essential role in conveying themes within Lam Lao folk songs by distilling complex ideas into memorable phrases. This repetition helps listeners focus on the main messages and emotions being expressed, guiding their interpretation. Since refrains often encapsulate the essence of the narrative, they can lead audiences to reflect on broader cultural or moral lessons embedded within the songs.
• Evaluate how refrains contribute to the cultural significance of Lam Lao within Lao society and their role in preserving oral traditions.
  • Refrains significantly contribute to the cultural significance of Lam Lao by serving as a tool for preserving oral traditions and fostering cultural identity. They allow for easier transmission of stories across generations, ensuring that important values and histories are not forgotten. As these catchy phrases resonate within communities, they reinforce collective memory and pride in heritage, illustrating how music serves as a vehicle for cultural continuity amid changing societal landscapes.

Related terms

Verse:

A verse is a section of a song or poem that typically contains unique lyrics and conveys specific ideas, usually alternating with refrains.

Chorus: The chorus is a repeated section of music that often contains the central theme of the song, similar to a refrain, but usually features a distinct melody.

Call-and-Response: A musical technique where one voice or instrument makes a call, and another responds, creating an interactive dialogue that often involves refrains.