Amoebaean singing explained

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.

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.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Oral Tradition. Theocritus and Oral Tradition. Pearce. J. B.. 63–64. 8. 1. March 1993. PDF. 2021-09-07. 2021-09-07. https://web.archive.org/web/20210907170208/https://journal.oraltradition.org/wp-content/uploads/files/articles/8i/4_pearce.pdf. live.
  2. Web site: THEOCRITUS, IDYLLS 5-11. Theoi. 2009-10-26. https://web.archive.org/web/20091106120935/http://www.theoi.com/Text/TheocritusIdylls2.html. 6 November 2009 . live.