Chapter 6 Flashcards
Little music from before the 15th century has been found. Why?
1) Destroyed by Christian church
2) Natural Decay
3) Different Notation
4) Learning by Rote
5) Improvisation
General Uses of Music
1) Entertainment at social gatherings
2) Accompany athletic events
3) Accompany recitation of poetry
4) Accompany dramatic presentation
Ancient Greek Terms Still Used Today
Melody Organ Orchestra Chorus Harmony Rhythm Symphony
Literal translation of music
“Art of the muses”
Muses
Goddesses of the arts
How many muses are there?
9
“Musical” in Ancient Greek times
Well rounded/ successful
Music and poetry
Had the same meaning.
Greeks believed words and music formed the perfect union
Orpheus and Eurydice
Eurydice is bitten by a snake and Orpheus plays his Lyre to travel down to hades to save her. Hades says that Eurydice will be returned to him if he can play his lyre all the way out of the underworld. However, he mustn’t look behind him to see if Eurydice was following. He played all the way to the exit, but fearing that all was for naught, he looked behind him to see if Eurydice was actually there. She is sent back to the underworld.
Pygmalion
Pygmalion was a sculptor. He made many sculptures of women, and brought his most beautiful one to life with his lyre. They fell in love and got married.
Doctrine of Ethos
The Ethical Aspects of Music
- Music could effect your entire being
- Could heal the sick and perform miracles
Acoustics
The science of sound
The first to study acoustics
Pythagoras
Pythagoras’ 2 important discoveries
1) Intervals (the octave, then the 5th and 4th)
2) Modes (a series of seven note scales)
Rival Cults
1) Led by Apollo and played the lyre. Developed into classicism or classical music. Defined as music that is restrained and emphasizes form and balance.
2) Led by Dionysus, preferring the Aulos. Developed into Romanticism or Romantic music. Is emotional, dramatic, and focused on expression.
