Music in the Ancient World Greece and Rome

Music in the Biblical World Many Old Testament references to music David curing Saul with a harp Psalms Temples, worship services

Ancient Greek Society Rational, scientific way of thinking City-state (polis) Golden Age under Pericles Construction of Parthenon, drama, philosophy of Socrates

Music in Ancient Greece Most important venue for music was theater Choruses were sung, provided commentary about action A role in religious and civic rituals Olympic games Monophonic music (one line)

Greek music scales and notation Different regions developed different “modes” or collections of notes/scales. Tonoi (singular Tonos) Epitaph of Seikilos

Instruments of Ancient Greece Lyre Aulos Percussion (krotala and kumbala)

Music, the Cosmos, and the Soul Pythagoras (6th century BCE) Mathematical basis for music Knowledge of music’s powers over emotion Plato, aware of music’s power, became suspicious of certain kinds of music that could corrupt youth Music education was VERY important Educated citizen

Music of Ancient Rome By 117 CE, Rome controlled all of the Mediterranean Appropriated Greek culture Notation did not survive, but literary accounts show music was important Theater and civic rituals, gladiator fights, processions Religious cults Romans made significant advances in instrument-making Brass instruments Hydraulic organ Cymbals Flutes, pipes, and piccolos