We were delighted to welcome Prof. Tim Whitmarsh from St John’s College, Cambridge, to speak on the performance of Homer in antiquity. Evidence from The Odyssey has encouraged the view that The Iliad and The Odyssey were invariably sung to a musical accompaniment, but Prof. Whitmarsh presented compelling evidence from various sources for a much more mixed picture, in which performances were commonly given by a rhapsode, without music but with a stick and a cloak as props. The best rhapsodes were the celebrities of their day – famous and wealthy.
The many questions at the end of Prof. Whitmarsh’s talk confirmed that he had captured the interest of the sizeable audience of 6th formers and GCA members.
The GCA is grateful to Mr Ed Bush and RGS for once again providing an excellent venue and facilities, as well as refreshments.
The Guildford Classical Association 