Seikilos Epitaph

well this is - according to Wikipedia - the oldest surviving complete musical piece ever recorded, from a Greek tomb inscription dating from 200-100 BC. very short, just few verses were put in music by his author Seikilos. someone might find it interesting enough to create some harmony or variation.

Good thing it's copyright-free!

That's beautiful and strange. I thought we didn't have any surviving ancient Greek music. What sort of notation did they use? Anyways, it's a reassuringly familiar sound, despite being so old. I think I might write some music against it. Thanks for sharing this!

Originally Posted by echurchill

That's beautiful and strange. I thought we didn't have any surviving ancient Greek music. What sort of notation did they use? Anyways, it's a reassuringly familiar sound, despite being so old. I think I might write some music against it. Thanks for sharing this!

They say that this is the only complete piece, although just a phrase. there is also a dozen of other fragments, and that's all from ancient Greece. The notation is a mix of greek letters and other symbols, check this out: Seikilos epitaph - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

just an elementar harmony

ah..this was on a tombstone correct?

is there supposed to be a pickup beat

Originally Posted by benxiwf

ah..this was on a tombstone correct?

yeah. see: Seikilos epitaph - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I call mine Seikilos Consort, I guess.

Kinda started to sound Irish, so I threw in a riverdance style stomp on some
down beats in the subdominant... came out sounding pretty darn fun.

Arranged for barogue chamber orchestra:
Flute (descant recorder)
Oboe I
Oboe II
Bassoon
Pair of natural horns (in A)
Violin I
Violin II
Viola
Violoncello
Contrabass (usually doubling 'cello at the octave)

very nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the rhythmic pattern is wonderful! very well conceived and effective composition! regards!