12 Questions
Who is credited with the invention of music in Ancient Greek mythology?
The muses
What is considered the world's earliest melody?
Hurrian Hymn No. 6
When do the oldest known musical instruments appear in the archaeological record?
40,000 years ago
Who is attributed with inventing music according to Persian/Iranian mythology?
Jamshid
Which musical composition from the first century A.D. is known as the 'Seikilos Epitaph'?
"Jamshid's Lament"
In which ancient civilization is Pythagoras often credited as the inventor of music?
Greek civilization
What is the relationship between music and language?
Music came before language.
What is the significance of the vulture-bone flute discovery mentioned in the text?
It confirms the roots of humanity's musical history.
What does the discovery of mammoth bone and swan bone flutes suggest about ancient humans?
They had a sophisticated understanding of music.
How does the text describe the cultural significance of prehistoric musical instruments?
They provide glimpses into ancient cultures.
What does the text imply about the importance of music to ancient humans based on their use of valuable resources for musical technologies?
Music was a central aspect of their lives.
Based on the text, what can be inferred about the role of music in representing emotions?
Music has the capacity to imitate emotions effectively.
Study Notes
Cultural Dimensions in Music
- Music is a universal feature of all known living cultures, playing many roles in daily life and has been valued for thousands of years.
- The oldest known musical instruments appear in the archaeological record from 40,000 years ago, and it can be inferred that music existed even earlier.
- Music is ancient, with evidence suggesting that it may have originated before language.
The Origin of Music
- In Ancient Greek mythology, the invention of music is credited to the muses, daughters of Zeus.
- In Persian/Iranian mythology, Jamshid, a legendary Shah, is credited with inventing music.
Early Musical Compositions
- "Hurrian Hymn No. 6" is considered the world's earliest melody.
- The oldest complete musical composition is the "Seikilos Epitaph", a 1st-century A.D. Greek tune found on an ancient marble column in Turkey.
The Role of Music
- Making music is a universal human trait that dates back to at least 35,000 years ago.
- Music is a language of emotion, capable of representing different feelings and evoking emotions in people.
- Music has the capacity to imitate emotions, and people often turn to music to express themselves.
Cultural Dimensions in Musical Instruments
- The oldest known musical instrument is a vulture-bone flute discovered in a European cave, which pushes back humanity's musical roots.
- The first musical instruments were likely flutes, with German archaeologists finding mammoth bone and swan bone flutes dating back to 30,000 to 37,000 years old in the Swabian Alps.
- The production of ivory flutes demonstrates the maturity and sophistication of Upper Palaeolithic musical technologies, implying that music was highly valued by ancient humans.
Popular Musical Instruments
- The piano is one of the most popular musical instruments worldwide, with a rich history and cultural significance.
Explore the cultural dimensions of music and musical instruments, delving into the evolutionary theory, natural philosophy, and narrative construction behind music. Learn about the significance of music in various cultures and its presence in daily life, dating back to ancient times with the oldest known musical instruments from 40,000 years ago.
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