Music From The 0 A. D. Time Period

[Sebovzeoueb]

This isn't really Off-Topic, but if figured maybe it isn't sufficiently "On-Topic" for the General Discussion and ideas forum. I'm afraid I have to multi-post as only 2 media files are allowed per post.

Anyway, I've been trying to find out about ancient music, but it seems that surprisingly little is known about the music of the people represented in 0 A.D.

The only idea we have of the actual music itself is from a few bits of music written by the ancient Greeks.

From the video description:

This video features my arrangement for solo lyre, "The Song of Seikilos", unique in musical history, as it is the only piece of music from antiquity in the entire Western world, that has SO far been found, which has survived in its COMPLETE form, and unlike much earlier surviving fragments of melodies that have been found, this song is written in a totally unambiguous ALPHABETICAL musical notation, which can be played, note for note, as it was written...2000 YEARS AGO

It would seem that the Greeks greatly influenced many other cultures with their music. It would seem that Roman music was mostly based on Greek music, although there is no surviving notation for Roman music. It would appear that the Celts and Iberians most likely exchanged musical knowledge and instruments with the Romans (who themselves were influenced by Greek music). I haven't been able to to find much for the Carthaginians and Persians.

Concerning instruments I have found out a bit more.

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The Lyre/ Kithara

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyre

It would seem that this instrument is common to many cultures of the ancient world. The Kithara is similar to the Lyre, but was considered a more professional instrument. These instruments are derived from the harp, but are much smaller and therefore portable.

Certain articles I read claim that the Lyre was brought to the Celts by the Romans, but the above Wikipedia page says it developed independently in both cultures.

I find this one to have a particularly haunting archaic sound:

Edited June 11, 2011 by Sebovzeoueb

[Sebovzeoueb]

The Carnyx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnyx

An imposing Celtic brass instrument used in warfare.

Edited June 11, 2011 by Sebovzeoueb

[Sebovzeoueb]

The Aulos

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aulos

A reed instrument generally played as a pair. Used by the Greeks and Romans. The sound is reminiscent of the bagpipes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCNnzzeurcw

The Hydraulis

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydraulis

An early organ which uses water to provide the air pressure. Known to be played by the Greeks and Romans

Edited June 11, 2011 by Sebovzeoueb

[Sebovzeoueb]

The Tuba and other large Brass Trumpets

http://www.rugs-n-re...Roman-Tuba.html

Roman brass instrument used in warfare for military communication. The main point of this instrument seems to have been loudness. The website above mentions that similar large trumpets were used in many ancient civilisations (Greek Salpinx, for example). It is interesting to note that a similar instrument has also been found for the Celts (see documentary below). This type of tuba is not a direct ancestor of our modern tuba, which if anything is closer to the Cornu in shape.

The Cornu

http://www.rugs-n-re...oman-Cornu.html

A ceremonial and military brass instrument used by the Romans.

The Chartar (or just Tar)

http://www.guyguitar...iefHistory.html

This is picture is of a modern instrument, I believe, but I guess it is similar to the ancient ones.

This "Brief History of the Guitar" claims the Persian Chartar to be the ancestor of the Guitar. Although it doesn't give a date, it claims that the Greek word Kithara could be derived from this instrument, making it very ancient.

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These are some of the most specific instruments I have found. Also many types of flute, pipes, harp and brass instrument were used as well as percussion including drums, bells and clappers.

Also of interest is this video featuring some reconstructions of instruments found in Ireland:

Does anyone else have information on music from the 0 A. D. time period? I intend to compose some more music to submit for this game, so I would appreciate any historical information on the music of ancient times.

Sebastian.

Edited June 15, 2011 by Sebovzeoueb

[Mythos_Ruler]

Great post, Sebastian! A very nice resource for our sound guys!

[Sebovzeoueb]

Added links and pics for the Tuba and Cornu, with a bit more information.

[Sebovzeoueb]

Also added the Persian Chartar, one of the few instruments I have found that may actually have existed in some form in ancient Persia. It seems that many of the modern day Iranian classical instruments, and quite possibly the style of music, are derived from ancient Persian music, but very few actual facts are present.

Here is some Persian classical music for your enjoyment. While impossible to know how close this sounds to the music of ancient Persia, it certainly sounds pretty plausible to me. I like that the ney player is using epic delay, classical musicians of Western European tradition would never allow this!