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Ancient Greek Musical Theory
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Epitaph of Seikilos
The Epitaph of Seikilos is the oldest complete musical composition in existence, including musical notation, from around the 1st or 2nd century AD. It exemplifies the emotional expression and technical musical craft of Ancient Greece.
Tetrachord
A tetrachord is a series of four notes separated by three intervals used in ancient Greek music. The tuning of these could vary, leading to different modes and scales.
Pythagorean Tuning
Pythagorean tuning is a system of musical tuning in which the frequency ratios of all intervals are based on the ratio 3:2. This system was developed by Pythagoras and influenced the way music was composed and played in Greece.
Harmony
In Ancient Greek music theory, harmony referred to the concordant intervals and the relationships between pitches. This concept laid the groundwork for the development of Western tonal music.
Greater Perfect System
The Greater Perfect System is an ancient Greek musical system that extended the tetrachord to a system of four tetrachords and a final note, creating a range of two octaves. It was central to the development of the European classical music tradition.
Paean
The paean was a type of ancient Greek hymn sung during ceremonies and festivals, usually in praise of Apollo or other deities. It typifies the role of music in sacred and communal events in ancient Greece.
Chromatic Genre
In ancient Greek music, the chromatic genre was a scale system that employed quarter-tone intervals to create a colorfully intense and expressive sound, different from the modern Western chromatic scale.
Musica Universalis
Musica Universalis, or 'Music of the Spheres', is a philosophical concept that regards proportions in the movements of celestial bodies as a form of music. This idea by Pythagoras relates music, mathematics, and the cosmos.
Nomos
Nomos in ancient Greek music referred to a type of compositional form, which was often associated with the portrayal of characters and storytelling, indicating the dramatic nature of Greek music.
Monophony
Monophony in ancient Greek music describes a single melodic line without accompanying harmony, illustrating the simplicity and purity of musical textures in the early Greek tradition.
Enharmonic Genre
The enharmonic genre of ancient Greek music was characterized by intervals smaller than a semitone. It was one of the three genera, along with diatonic and chromatic, and was considered the most refined and complex.
Lyre
The lyre is a string instrument known for its use in Greek classical antiquity and later periods. It was associated with Greek gods like Apollo and was a symbol of wisdom and moderation.
Rhythm
Ancient Greek musical rhythm was based on the timing of poetic verses, leading to a close relationship between music and poetry. This concept of rhythm influenced later Western music.
Diatonic Genre
The diatonic genre of ancient Greek music is characterized by whole tone and semitone intervals. It's the most similar to modern Western scales, highlighting the continuity in musical theory.
Dithyramb
Dithyramb was a form of ancient Greek choral poetry sung in honor of the god Dionysus. It's significant for its influence on the development of Greek tragedy and the use of music in theatrical contexts.
Phorminx
The phorminx was an ancient Greek stringed musical instrument, predecessor to the lyre, often depicted in Homeric poems. It was used primarily for accompaniment and signifies early developments in string instruments.
Mousike
Mousike was the term used by ancient Greeks to encompass the arts, especially music and poetry, which were inseparable. It illustrates the cultural importance of music in the broader context of Greek arts.
Modes
Ancient Greek modes were scales characterized by their own unique set of intervals, much like modern musical scales. The modes, such as Dorian, Phrygian, and Lydian, were named after Greek tribes.
Aulos
The aulos was an ancient Greek wind instrument, similar to a double-reed oboe. Its music played an integral role in many aspects of Greek life, including theater, ceremonies, and military activities.
Melody
Melody in ancient Greek music was governed by modes and encompassed the pitch and rhythm to convey emotion and narrative, playing an important role in Greek drama and poetry.
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