I tend to agree that the percussion is distracting. I wonder if that is only a specific cultural perception. I suspect that those who devote their whole lives to the study, may develop an over emphasis. On the other hand, it may be just something that it takes getting used to. I really can't say. I do know that I am quite moved by the prominent drums in Profesor Belmont's readings of The Iliad. There, they seem most appropriate, even frightening.

I also agree that the word, "soul" in the Archilochos poem is problematic, but I think the word, "will" to have just as many problems.

I am currently preparing a broadcast about a poem by Cavafy called, "The God Forsakes Anthony". W.H. Auden said of Cavafy that his was the only poetry which translates well from one language to another.