Music, present in every corner of the world, has been a constant in the history of humanity. Since time immemorial, it has served as a means of expression, communication and connection. But, Have we ever stopped to ponder the origin and discovery of music, this being an artistic form that transcends borders and cultures?
In this article, we will embark on a journey through the millennia to learn about the discovery of music and how the first human beings integrated it into their lives. Join us in this exploration and discover how music, beyond being just an art, is a reflection of our evolution and culture.
Music and humanity: an ancestral bond
The relationship between music and human beings is lost in the nebula of our ancestral past. At the dawn of humanity, our ancestors were surrounded by natural sounds, the singing of birds being an omnipresent element in its environment. This melodic and varied song not only provided a constant soundtrack, but also served as an effective communication system between the birds.
Humans, observant and always adaptable, noticed the usefulness of these melodious sounds and began to imitate them, taking the first steps towards the origin of music. The fascination with the sounds of nature, especially those that could be replicated and innovated, led to experimentation with different objects to produce sounds, marking the birth of the first instruments.
From hitting stones to blowing through snails, Human curiosity transformed ordinary objects into tools of sound creation. Thus, music became a form of communication, a means to express emotions and share messages, weaving a sound network that has united humanity through the ages.
The influence of mythology on the origin of music
Mythology, rich and diverse in each civilization, has been a source of inspiration and explanation for the origin of music and its presence in ancient societies. In classical Greece, for example, Music was believed to be a divine gift, given to humans by deities such as Apollo and the muses.who gifted humanity with this sublime art to communicate, express and connect.
On the other hand, in the ancient cultures of India and China, music was also intertwined with the divine, being attributed to specific deities who were thought to have endowed humans with the ability to create melodies and rhythms. This intertwining of music and mythology not only provided a framework for understanding and valuing music, but also established the foundation for its development and evolution in different cultures.
The discovery of music was not simply an act of generating pleasant sounds; It was a sacred act, a means to connect with the divine and explore the very essence of humanity. This deep respect and reverence for music, rooted in myths and legends, has been a pillar in its perpetuation and development over the centuries, guiding its journey through human history.
Musical instruments: from bones to harps
The evolution of musical instruments has been a fascinating journey, marked by innovation and human adaptability. In the initial stages of the discovery of music, humans used what nature offered them to create sounds. The bone flutes, discovered in the Geissenklösterle cave in the Swabian Alps, are testimony to this early inventiveness, being considered the oldest known musical instruments, with an estimated age of more than 35,000 years.
But the story doesn’t stop there. As civilizations began to flourish, so did the complexity of musical instruments. In ancient Egypt, for example, the bowed harp made its appearance around 2700 BC, introducing a new dimension to the music of the time and forming the basis of non-Western folk music.
Simultaneously, Chinese culture, influenced by Mesopotamian traditions, not only adopted existing instruments, but also established a formal system for music, producing scales and tunings that have endured through the millennia. Thus, every instrument, from primitive flutes to harps and beyond, has not only been a means of producing music, but also a reflection of humanity’s culture, history, and innovation throughout the ages.
Music across continents
The origin of music, on its journey through time, has transcended borders, integrating and adapting to various cultures and continents, creating a rich variety of sounds and styles. In Africa, for example, offbeat, which places emphasis on the traditionally «weaker» beats of the beat, originated and became intertwined with what we know today as jazz, a genre that has profoundly influenced world music.
This African rhythm, with its distinctive syncopation and rhythmic complexity, has traveled, adapting and fusing with local styles, from its place of origin to jazz clubs and concert halls around the world. On the other hand, in ancient Egypt and China, musical innovation manifested itself through the creation of new instruments and musical systems. The Egyptian bowed harp, for example, became a mainstay of folk music, while China, with its amazing repertoire and musical structure, established systems of scales and tuning that have influenced music in various cultures throughout history. .
Thus, the discovery of music, in its perpetual journey, has been a vehicle of cultural exchange, a universal language that, despite the diverse forms and sounds, has managed to unite humanity in a common melody that resonates across continents and eras.
So why do we like music? At its core, it has been a common thread that has intertwined cultures, eras and civilizations, creating a mosaic that reflects the rich diversity and creativity of humanity. This journey through the millennia allows us to appreciate not only the music itself, but also understand how it has been a mirror of our own experiences, innovations, and perpetual search for expression and connection. What do you think about the origin of music? Let us know in the comments any details you want to add!