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.