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Sounds of Galley Slavery

Old black and white illustration of four slaves with some official text in the center
October 16, 2026
Meredith Martin and Gillian Weiss with a short performance by musicians from CWRU Baroque ensembles

11 AM | Clark Hall Room 206 | 11130 Bellflower Road, Cleveland, OH 44106

In their presentation Meredith Martin, Professor of History, NYU, and Gillian Weiss, Professor of History, CWRU, explore the social and sonic worlds of convicts and enslaved Muslims based in sixteenth- to eighteenth-century Livorno, Marseille, and Naples. Under threat of violence, these Mediterranean galley slaves were not only forced to row, producing a distinctive sound of clanking chains, whistled commands, and rhythmic shouts, but also to play music for entertaining naval officers and relaying signals at sea. On land, they improvised busker bands and played for tips. Sampled pieces will include a hymn by Louis XIV’s favorite composer and a contemporary adaptation of a Turkish song that honors an Ottoman ship captain and painter.

Registration requested.  Register HERE.


Head shot of smiling woman with shoulder length brown curly hair and glasses wearing a green jacket

 

 

   Click HERE to visit Gillian Weiss' faculty page.

 

Headshot of serious woman with bangs and shoulder length blonde hair wearing a black top

 

 

Click HERE to visit Meredith Martin's faculty page.