The music and culture of ancient Rome has been of immense fascination for scholars for centuries, although for the most part, records of the period remain silent about the kind of music that was popular during the time. Despite this, research continues to try and unravel the secrets of the ancient sounds of Rome. It is widely accepted that classical music, or even its predecessor, would have been heard in one form or another in the grand halls of the Roman Empire.
The predominant type of music that was heard throughout the ancient Rome period would have been of a religious nature, designed to pay homage to the pantheon of gods and goddesses that the Roman people worshipped. Music of all kinds, whether it be performed live or reproduced mechanically, was seen as a powerful way of connecting to the divine order of things.
As the Roman Empire progressed and grew in size, the culture of its people moved further and further afield, particularly with the rise of trading and the formation of the Roman Republic. During this period, music of a secular nature also found prominence, with the Greeks and their many vibrant forms of music making becoming more popular in Rome.
Music in ancient Rome was never completely relegated to the role of entertainment, however. It also had an important role to play in the culture of the time, with musicians taking part in theatrical performances, ceremonial processions and religious rituals, as well as providing musical accompaniment for the intellectual debates of the Roman Senate.
The most famous musician of the ancient times was the Roman composer, and later senator, Quintus Valerius, whose works were so popular in their day that they crossed borders, being performed in other parts of Europe. Valerius is said to have used complex musical techniques and structures, as well as an intricate system of notation, which makes it difficult to interpret his work with any accuracy in the modern day.
The extent to which musical instruments were used in ancient Rome is unknown, as it is difficult to assess from archaeological evidence and the surviving texts from the era. Stringed instruments such as the lyre, harp and lute were certainly used, whilst wind instruments such as the flute and pan pipes would also have featured heavily in the culture. In the arena, music and sound was created through the use of percussion instruments, with drums being particularly popular.
One of the most interesting aspects of Roman culture is its relationship with the aural landscape. This connection was not only present in religious ceremonies, but also in the public square, in banquets, and in the any general social engagement of the society. Music was used to signify a location and the characters that inhabited it, and it was also used to signify status, honour, and even the passing of time.
The Influence of Greek Culture
Due to the Roman Empire’s expansive nature, ancient Rome was exposed to a rich variety of musical influences from all over the Mediterranean region. From early on, the predominant influence on its musical culture was from the Greeks, who established a priesthood dedicated to music and the gods. Through the trade routes established by the Roman Empire, the musical culture of Greece reached far and wide, and its influence can be heard in many of the surviving compositions of ancient Rome.
Given the relationship between the two states, not only were instruments, music, and theatrical performances transferred between the two cultures, but so were musical theories and ideas. This was particularly evident in the works of the renowned Roman lyricist, Vergil, who was heavily influenced by the work of the Greek lyric poet, Sappho.
What’s more, the music and culture of Greece had a large impact on the art, literature and literature of the Roman era, and its influence can be heard in the works of great Roman authors such as Virgil and Ovid.
Although much of this influence has been lost in time, it’s clear that Greek music had a profound influence on the culture of ancient Rome, making it a valuable source for historians today.
Later Developments in the Roman Music Scene
By the time of the late Republic and the early Roman Empire, music had become an important part of everyday life in Rome. This period saw a marked increase in the use of instruments and the development of secular music, as well as the establishment of schools dedicated to the teaching of music.
Under the rule of Julius Caesar and Augustus, music was increasingly seen as an important aspect of elite Roman society, and it was increasingly used to create an atmosphere of grandeur and extravagance in court gatherings and banquets. It was during this period that the modern symphony was born, and the unifying power of music to bring people together was recognized.
In the centuries that followed, Roman musical culture was influenced by a variety of external sources, and it became increasingly complex and varied. Secular music in particular, embodied in the form of hymns, arias and operas, gained widespread popularity.
The Roman music tradition underwent numerous changes over the course of its long existence, however, its influence can still be heard in the music of cultures all over the world today.
The Role of Music in Roman Society
Not only did music play an important role in the culture of ancient Rome, but it also had an important social function. Music was often viewed as a symbol of the power and influence of the upper classes, as well as expressing the collective conscious of the population.
Music was used to celebrate significant occasions such as festivals and public ceremonies, and it was also used to express emotion and to provide a form of entertainment. Music was used in battles, funerals, and during the period of imperial rule, it was frequently performed at banquets and during hunting trips.
Throughout the Roman period, music was valued and appreciated, and it was seen by many as essential for all aspects of life. This was reinforced by the religious element of music, which was viewed as a form of connection with the divine.
Conclusion
Overall, it is clear that music had an important role to play in the culture and society of ancient Rome. Through its use in religious ceremonies and its popularity in both elite and popular culture, it was an essential part of Roman life. Whilst much of the music of the period has been lost to time, it is still possible to gain insight into its influence and power, and it remains an invaluable source of inspiration for students of history today.
