Laconian black-figure cup; musician and votary, 550BC.
Like much of ancient Greece, Sparta’s festivals resounded with the sounds of citizen choruses and the music of visiting professionals. Its laws and principles were captured by the songs of Tyrtaeus, and its social customs and mythologies were hymned in the works of Alcman. Later writers would attribute important innovations in music to the musicians who competed at Sparta’s early contests.
However, the predominant image of Spartan music is one of music and military (the Spartans were noted for marching into battle accompanied by music) and of extreme musical conservatism (a number of musicians had the strings of their instruments cut off by the Spartan authorities, so we are told). Yet what of these images is real, and what can be attributed to the Spartan mirage?
This talk will introduce listeners to the wide range of evidence we can draw on to answer that question (including the earliest known Hellenic aulos). There is also be a live demonstration of how Spartan music might have sounded.
Discussants:
The event will be hosted on Microsoft Teams via a link that will be shared here prior to the event. Simply follow the link to join the event.
All are very welcome. Free to attend.
University of NottinghamUniversity Park Nottingham, NG7 2RD
telephone: +44 (0)115 951 4800 fax: +44 (0)115 951 4811 email: csps@nottingham.ac.uk