music of ancient rome

Buccina (horn trumpet)Cornu (horn)Crotalum (similar to castanets)Cymbalum (Cymbals)Hydraulus (the water-organ) Lituus ("war trumpet")Sambuca ( large harp)Trigonum (small harp) Lyra (lyre)Sistrum (Egyptian percussion instrument)Testudo (Latin variant of Greek chelys)Tibia (flute, pipes)Tintinnabulum (bell) Tuba (trumpet)Tympana (drum, tambourine)

The Romans may have borrowed the Greek method of "enchiriadic notation" to record their music, if they used any notation at all. Even the well-known writings of the late Roman philosopher, Boethius, are more of a treatise on the music of the ancient Greeks rather than a description of contemporary music.

Music of Ancient Rome

The hydraulis is the first keyboard musical instrument in history and the ancestor of the later church organ. It consisted of one or more sets of metal pipes of different sizes, which were supplied with air at a constant pressure by a hydraulic mechanical device and activated, so as to produce sound, by special keys. In Rome, it was played in theatres, festivals and even in the amphitheaters, and became the favorite instrument of the ruling class and of emperors such as Nero.

Although music had obvious uses in the military (with tubas being used for signalling), it was also a common occurance for funerals, private gatherings, public performances on stage, gladiatorial spectacles, and of course, religious ceremonies. Music was developed in ancient Rome as a sign of education with various music contests across the empire attracting many spectators and much competition. Nero himself, even performed as an amateur in such contests.

The Greek Connection

Music In Roman Society

Instruments of Ancient Rome

The Roman Hydraulis

Roman music was mostly monophonic and that the melodies were based on an elaborate system of scales (called 'modes'). The rhythm of vocal music may have followed the natural metre of the lyrics.Much dissonance is exploited especially in ritualistic dance pieces to evoke the mysterious and sensual pagan tradition.

Analyzing Ancient Roman Music

Roman trumpeters (Tubicines) and Horn players (Cornicines) appear in Roman documents as early as the Fifth century B.C.E.. Beyond the obvious function of accompanying marching, musical instruments were used to sound the alarm, signal attack and retreat, signal formation changes during battles, or changes of the watch. The Romans had copper alloy horns and bronze trumpets called Buccinas. The buccina was employed to sound the morning and evening watches, as well as at military funerals.

Music And The Roman Army

DID YOU KNOW? Much of today's musical ensembles derive from the choirs of Ancient Roman theatrical productions and the large-scale marching bands of Ancient Roman military processions?

“Music is part of us, and either ennobles or degrades our behavior”. - Boethius