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Thursday, April 23. 2009

What ancient Greek music probably sounded like


Monotonic music mainly, with lyre, drum, trumpet and flute, with different "modes" to evoke different states of mind. The ancient Greeks considered their music and lyrics to be central to who they were as a civilization, and, of course, to be a gift from the gods. As best I can tell, poetry (the lyrics) was never offered without accompanying music.


The group Melpomen recreates the ancient sounds from surviving fragments. (Samples of the music at the Amazon site.)


Wiki has a fine summary of ancient Greek music. Interesting to read that Plato (c 400 BC) complained about the modern music which defied old forms.


Image: Music lesson, c.460 BC, from this site about ancient Greek music. 

Posted by Bird Dog in History, Music, Our Essays at 12:35 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)

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Interesting stuff.
Loved going through the samples on the Amazon site..very tempting.
Don't know if you noticed that sample 12 was entitled Anakreon, presumably in reference to the poet famous for love and wine...and the Star Spangled Banner..though you might not know if from that particular selection.
If you like this reconstructed music of the ancients, it's not easy to come by, but for a really good example I recommend watching the old Terry Gilliam movie "Time Bandits" and listen to the music being played in Agamemnon's court as the bandits make their appearance and getaway. Deliciously hypnotic.
#1 doug l on 2009-04-23 17:20 (Reply)
Every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp-dressed man.
#2 carl h on 2009-04-23 22:56 (Reply)

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