When an ode is sung, is it sung in any particular style?

Question

Can an ode be sung in any style?

Answer 1

Without sound recordings we'll never know. But...

Odes are written with very careful attention to rhythm. Some go

ta-DAH, ta-DAH, ta-DAH, ta-DAH, ta-DAH

This is an iambic pentameter. Learn to appreciate the author's use of meter. It regulates the author's use of words. When reading you don't have to exaggerate the meter, just be aware!

American pronunciation often emphasises the second syllable of words, eg har-***, di-VERSION, unlike UK English which emphasises the first, eg HAR-***, DIE-version.

English poets (Keats) could be read particularly well if you realise how he has written his odes with respect to meter.

For a great explanation, read Stephen Fry's "The Ode less travelled."

For inspiration, you may enjoy listening to poems, often read by their authors, here at the Poetry Archive:

http://www.poetryarchive.org/poetryarchi...

PS: I see Yahoo is blanking out my use of the word asss in harass with stars. Autocensored!

Answer 2

Aye,laddy it is sung in an ode style.