Amoebaean singing
Amoebaean singing is a type of singing competition originating in Ancient Greece. In it, a first party sings according to a topic and verse structure of their choosing. A second singer then responds with the same verse structure and on a related topic. This repeats until one side concedes or a third party can determine the winner.
History
The form is believed to have been used by Greek shepherds to entertain themselves. Later, it would evolve into a judged competition, consisting of multiple rounds of singing between competitors. Competitors would be judged more favorably if they could continue a theme through multiple rounds.[1]
The poet Theocritus relied heavily on Amoebaean singing, with it becoming his and his successors' 'hallmark', according to David M. Halperin.[1]
Usage
Amoebaean singing can be seen in Theocritus' Idyll 5: The Goatherd and the Shepherd, in an exchange between the goatherd Comatas and the shepherd Lacon.[1][2]
Comatas
The Muses bear me greater love than Daphnis ere did see;
And well they may, fort’other day they had two goats for me.
Lacon
But Apollo loves me all as well, and an offering too have I,
See also
Further reading
- Theocritus and Oral Tradition by James B. Pearce hosted by Google
References
- ^ a b c Pearce, J. B. (1993). "Oral Tradition" (PDF) (in English). 8 (1): 63–64.
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