The Homeric Epics
as Music
Classics 62:
Homer and the Greek Epics

Beth Severy
Spring 2000

Possible Modern Comparisons
Think about the similarities and dissimilarities of the various types of music listed below to the music of the epics. Some sound clips are provided; other links will take you to a web page where you can access a sound clip (you may have to do some scrolling around to get there).

Sound:
emphasis on rhythm, relationships between voices, instruments and melody
Performance Characteristics:
impromptu composition & spontaneity, demands of meter and other traditions

Themes:
battles, honor, family, heartache, adventure, monsters, gods, ?

JAZZ/BLUES
Betty Carter, "I don't want to set the world on fire"
Ella Fitzgerald, "It's Wonderful"
Jennifer Avalon, "Money"

FOLK/ROCK
Woody Guthrie , "Do-Re-Mi"
Bob Dylan, "Leopard Skin Pill-Box Hat"
Bob Dylan, "Visions of Johanna"

CHANT
(OK, not exactly 'modern')
Hildegard of Bingen "O beata infantia" performed by Sinfonye
Schola Pacifica, "Exsurge"
RAP
Yukmouth, "Skit"
Yukmouth, "We Just Wanna Thug"
Tupac, "God Bless the Dead"

SPOKEN WORD

Last Poets, "Two Little Boys"
Last Poets, "Birds World"

 

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