The Classical Music Minute

Ancient Greek Games & Music

August 30, 2021 Steven Hobé, Composer & Host Season 1 Episode 18
The Classical Music Minute
Ancient Greek Games & Music
Show Notes Transcript

Description
In order to understand where music stands today, it’s great to consider some of the origins and uses of music. Archaeology has uncovered numerous indications of the importance of music in Ancient Greece, especially as it relates to their athletic Games. Join me, as we take a minute to get the scoop!

Fun Fact
The earliest games at Delphi were held in the eighth century BC. Initially, they were wholly religious. They formed part of the festival of Apollo. A sacrifice of three different animals opened proceedings, followed by a sacred banquet. The games began the following day.

About Steven
Steven is a Canadian composer living in Toronto. He creates a range of works, with an emphasis on the short-form genre—his muse being to offer the listener both the darker and more satiric shades of human existence. If you're interested, please check out his website for more.

A Note To Music Students et al.
All recordings and sheet music are available on my site. I encourage you to take a look and play through some. Give me a shout if you have any questions.

Got a topic? Pop me off an email at: TCMMPodcast@Gmail.com 

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Music was a highlight at all Ancient Greek games. With a packed crowd of spectators, musicians, writers and other artists presented their talents to the world. 

Musicians were necessary for the smooth conduct of the games: trumpeters and heralds addressed the spectators. Music also accompanied different events such as the long jump. Greeks believed that music improved the coordination of the athlete’s movements.

There were 'musical contests' dedicated to the goddesses of arts. These competitions required participants to sing a hymn to Apollo accompanied by a lyre or Kithara. 

One competition involved a first singer starting with a verse of their choosing. A second singer responded with the same verse and then followed on a related topic. This kept going until one singer gave in. Sounds like fun...right?

By the sixth century BC, as the status quo became less religious, other musical events were introduced and the musical repertoire expanded.