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Musical Notation

posted 18 years ago by HijodelCid
4 replies | jump to latest

What kind of musical notation was used in Nero's time? Did it resemble in any way the notation created by Guido d'Arezzo?

[–] austendw 18 years ago

My understanding, derived - unreliably but predictably - from Wikipedia, is that no Roman notation has survived, so I suppose the answer should be: We don't know for sure.

The Romans may have borrowed the Greek method of "enchiriadic notation" to record their music, if they used any notation at all. [...] In the art of the period (eg the mosaics of Pompeii), none of the musicians are shown reading music, and no written music has been discovered. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_music)

However, we do know what notation the ancient Greeks used (see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musical_notation#Ancient_Greek_musical_notation), and as it bore no resemblance whatsoever to what d'Arezzo devised (and we have inherited), I suspect that the answer really is a simple: No.

Call me Ishmael...

[–] Mithrandir-Olorin888 17 years ago

Intresting topic I don't see enoguh discusion about Ancient Music?

I think it's Sad we have no Idea what music the Pslams where origonal meant to be Sung to.

http://www.RonPaul2008.com/
Our only Hope for a Decent President.

[–] austendw 17 years ago

I think it's Sad we have no Idea what music the Pslams where origonal meant to be Sung to.

Well, some people think we do have an idea, specifically the french musicologist Suzanne Haik-Ventura. Here is a link to the book which explains her theory:
http://www.amazon.com/Music-Bible-Revealed-Deciphering-Millenary/dp/094103710X/ref=cm_lm_pdp_prod_0_0/102-9737711-4784969

And this is one of the recordings: http://www.amazon.com/Musique-BIBLE-revelee-Suzanne-Haik-Vantoura/dp/B00004TVH6/ref=pd_sim_b_1/102-9737711-4784969

There is also some reconstructed ancient Greek music, here:
http://www.amazon.com/Musique-Grece-Antique-Greek/dp/B00004TVG7/ref=cm_lm_pdp_prod_0_2/102-9737711-4784969

Call me Ishmael...

[–] Mithrandir-Olorin888 17 years ago

Hmm intresting.

http://www.RonPaul2008.com/
Our only Hope for a Decent President.