The Second Chorus

Greece. When people think of Greece, they think of the Acropolis. They think of the Olympic games. They think of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, all the great minds of the time period. But one area that never gets mentioned is music. Were the Greeks not musically inclined? Au contraire! They were very musically inclined!

 I'm paraphrasing here, but Aristotle once said something along the lines of, "Gymnastics should be used to discipline the body, and  music to discipline the mind." Pythagoras even 'invented' many musical words, such the octave, fourths and fifths. The Greeks definitely effected it's society with music.

For the Greeks, music was an art, and it was closely tied to math science, and even astronomy. Music derives from the Greek word Muses, and is very much associated with the arts, all the way from history, to dance.

The Greek mythology states, that Amphion learned music from the god Hermes, and then when he had a golden lyre crafted, he built the city of Thebes, by only playing the music. Orpheus, the master musician and lyre player, supposedly played so magically and beautifully that he could soothe wild beasts. But, other than mythology, how was music a part of the society?

Well, the Greeks had two kinds of games: the Pythian and Olympic games. Now, we all know what the Olympic games are, but what about the Pythian games? Well, the Pythian games were competitions of art. They required no physical work, but were competitions of different plays, poems and musical pieces. Music was a very integral part of these Pythian games and it influenced all of European music.

Aulos

The Greeks had 3 main musical instruments that they used, they were the Aulos, Lyre, and Kithara. In the Greek mythology, these instruments were created by gods or demi-gods. The aulos was the instrument that was used to worship the god of Dionysus (god of fertility and wine). This instrument, is very similar to the modern day flute, as seen to the right.

Lyre

The Lyre was associated with Apollo, the god of light, prophecy, poetry, learning and the arts, especially music. In Greek mythology though, it says that Hermes is responsible for its invention. The tale begins when Hermes is trying to steal 50 of Apollo's cattle. He does so successfully, but Apollo finds out. Apollo makes a deal with him that if Hermes gives him the lyre, then he could keep the cattle. There were actually many forms of the lyre, one being a small lyre, as seen below, and another where it was held with two hands. This instrument was the most popular instrument, back in the day.

The third instrument was the Kithara. The Kithara was a large lyre used especially for processions, sacred ceremonies, and theater. Normally, a musician playing this instrument would be standing. This instrument was said to be the instrument that utilized the most skill. A story goes in the Greek mythology, that a woman named Sappho, who was of very high standing, played music very well. Her main musical influence, was that of the emotions. The story goes on and it says that she ascended Mount Parnassus, to be greeted by the Muses (godesses of the inspiration of literature, science and arts). As she wandered around they came upon the cave of Apollo, and she began to play her kithara, and all of the Muses danced to her wonderful songs.

Now, this is all fine and dandy, but how did the Greeks really influence society? Let me tell you, the Greeks have influenced society immensely! The lyre, and kithara, were essential to today's guitar! You would have never heard of Jimi Hendrix or Chuck Berry, or all of the great guitar players without these instruments! The Greeks provided the instrument, that completely changed the 19th Century! I'd say that's a huge influence on society! Not only did they influence our society, but they also influenced their own! As you read, they had many stories about their music. Aristotle even studied music! 

Music was very prevalent in this ancient society. During the Golden Age of Greece (around 500 to 300 B.C.), many plays were made, poems were written, celebrations were had. Music was a key component to every single one of these things. Even music was used to study philosophy. Pythagoras even invented the use of harmonics, and figured out that they are related to each other through mathematics. 

But, if you are like me math and science are, 'all Greek to me'. Pun intended.

The First Measure

  Music has been around for many years. It has shaped civilizations and caused movements among societies. It is one of the leading topics in the media even today. Music is an important part of society. But, enough of

today, lets go back in time a bit. Over the next few weeks, I will be exploring the origins of music, starting with Ancient Egypt, and ending with our society today. Now, I know you will be asking me, "But, Egypt isn't the beginning of society?" To answer your question, I know. It is not the beginning, but it is an early society that was very prominent for many, many years. It was one of the first societies to instill writing. Not only were they one of the first to instill writing, but they were are very religious society. Music, even today is in practically every religion. What do you hear when you walk past a church? Music. Music, to many is a way to communicate. Music has such importance, and that is why I chose the topic.


  Now, let's get to the real stuff.

  Music in Ancient Egypt was very prominent. Its origins can be dated back to The Old Kingdom which dated from around 3200-2300 B.C.E. Many paintings that are put on the walls of old Pharaohs (they technically weren't pharaohs yet, but we'll just call them that) had depictions of people clapping. Though many would say this is barely musical, it is. They are making music with their hands. Not only with their hands, but they would also make things called, 'clappers'. They were instruments that were made of ivory (during the pharaonic period, they began to design them and shape them into hands), as seen below.

Ancient Egyptian Ivory 'clappers'

  As time passed, it became much more prominent. Many paintings show lines of people playing harps, drums and such as they follow a funeral. The Ancient Egyptian funeral involved many musicians. As it would progress down the Nile, mourners, dancers and musicians would all be on the boat. Music was a very important part of their services.

A carving of a funeral boat

Not only was it very much a part of their funerals, it was in their religion as well. The Egyptians even had gods to music, Bes and Hathor. Bes was the dwarf god of music and warfare. Hathor was the goddess of love and music.
  Musicians had different statuses. Musicians in the temple, were often of much higher status than that of a musician hired to entertain. Musicians in the temple were often positions held by women, which is why paintings of musicians are often done of women.


  As I close my post about Ancient Egyptian music, I would just like to discuss the significance of it. It was used in religion, entertainment, and even funerals. It was a very integral part of society. We even see parallels between ancient society and modern society. A musician in Egypt had very high statuses. They were used in religious ceremonies and for plain entertainment as well. Today, in America, we see that musicians are considered gods among men. Everywhere you go, you will see pop stars on magazines, billboards, on television; they are everywhere.

Times Square, New York

  They effect the modern society greatly. For example, Michael Jackson. When he died there were many many people expressing their sorrow for the, "King of Pop". Even the title suggests a higher place in society! In the ancient times, I am uncertain, as to if they had this much importance in the culture, but I do know that they did have importance.
  As time goes on, societies change, they develop. I feel that part of societies drive, comes from music. Music, starting from the beginning. It shapes and molds the future, creating new social classes, getting people through rough times, and even changing the world.