In classical music terminology, what does the term "strophe" refer to?

The term "strophe" refers to a section of a song or poem, particularly in classical music and poetry. In a musical context, it often denotes a structural unit or stanza that can encapsulate a theme or idea. This concept can be understood in the context of both vocal music, such as art songs or choruses, and instrumental music that may adopt thematic variations reminiscent of poetic strophes.

In classical compositions, strophes help organize musical ideas, making the piece more cohesive and easier for the audience to follow. They can be repeated or varied throughout a composition, similar to how verses in a poem might elaborate on central themes. The other terms provided do not encapsulate this structural and thematic role in the context of music, which further underscores why the definition of "strophe" as a section of a song or poem is the correct answer.