Everyday Life
For the Ancient Greeks, music was as an important part of their day to day lives then, as it is for us now. Music was a central focus in educational studies, it brought the community together, and was a valuable companion in everyday work. Music was always present during leisurely time and work. When women worked in the kitchens and even the gardens there would be some sort of music present. Whether that meant another manservant played the flute, or the women sang, there would be music. Also during the harvest time workers in the fields would sing songs or be accompanied by a person on an instrument. Shepherds would play to their flocks to help pass the time, and keep predators away. Oarsmen and soldiers were able to keep the pace of their marches or strokes by matching the rhythm of a drum. Men and women were taught how to sing and play instruments. Women in the upper classes would play stringed instruments and recite poetry in the comfort and privacy of their homes. Children would even go door to door singing songs for small sweets, but for some that was the only way that they could survive.
Men would have parties called symposium. A symposium was an all male drinking party, at which music was played, and men who had been trained to play instruments, sing, and perform choral dances would entertain his fellow men. This celebration was usually held in honour of Dionysus.
Where ever, and whenever music was played in the time of Ancient Greece, it would not merely be instrumental. It would almost always be in part with a vocal portion- be it song, or poetry recitation.
Men would have parties called symposium. A symposium was an all male drinking party, at which music was played, and men who had been trained to play instruments, sing, and perform choral dances would entertain his fellow men. This celebration was usually held in honour of Dionysus.
Where ever, and whenever music was played in the time of Ancient Greece, it would not merely be instrumental. It would almost always be in part with a vocal portion- be it song, or poetry recitation.