The aim of the course is to furnish specific knowledge on musical theories in the Greek and the Roman worlds, as well as the necessary methodological tools to historically contextualize their cultural value. The results that are expected are: understanding and acquisition of the concepts and technical terminology developed by ancient authors to discuss sounds, their organisation, and the goals of musical events in Greek and Roman societies; the ability to relate this knowledge to modern theoretical musical thought.
Course Prerequisites
A background culture in music. For the analyses of the texts and the topics that will be discussed during the course, it is not necessary to know ancient Greek and Latin languages.
Teaching Methods
Face-to-face lectures mainly presented using PowerPoint presentations, in which students will find the texts read and commented during the course (in Italian translation), reports of possible interpretative problems, and other sources for further explorations. The teaching materials will be available on KIRO UNIPV. In its final part, the course will be structured as a seminar: some specific topics (with the relevant bibliography) will be assigned to students for further exploration and they will be jointly discussed during the lectures.
Assessment Methods
The exam will consist of an oral interview, in which students must demonstrate their knowledge of: 1) topics, texts, and teaching materials discussed in class; 2) the recommended reading list. During the exam, students will also be assessed on their ability to relate this knowledge to modern theoretical musical thought, to explain the conceptual links between the various topics, and to communicate clearly using relevant technical language.
Texts
For Aristide Quintilianus' text, see: G. MORETTI, Aristide Quintiliano, Sulla Musica. Versione e Note, Bari, Levante editori; A. BARKER, Greek Musical Writings, Volume II: Harmonic and Acoustic Theory, pp. 399-535. Further reading: A. BARKER, Psychomusicology and Other Ancient Musicological Writings, edited by F. Buè, Louvain-la-Neuve, Peeters, 2022, pp. 13-165; A. PROVENZA, La medicina delle Muse, Roma, Carocci (esp. pp. 119-181); A. PROVENZA, Catarsi ed ethos. La musica tra formazione del carattere e cura dei mali nella Grecia antica, Palermo, Palermo University press, 2022, (esp. pp. 105-218).
Contents
The birth and development of music theory in ancient Greek and Roman culture. After a general introduction to these topics, this academic year the course will aim to explore ancient thought on the therapeutic and psychagogic function of ancient mousikē on the body, soul, and emotions, as well as its links with education. The main text for the course will be the second book of Aristides Quintilianus' treatise “On Music” (ca. 3rd century AD). The teaching materials used in class can be downloaded from KIRO UNIPV.
Course Language
Italian
More information
Non-attending students and those belonging to categories for which inclusive teaching methods are provided are invited to contact the lecturer well in advance of the exam in order to arrange office hours and any activities dedicated to them.
