| Egypt was long thought to have no music | | | | percussion became part of every day Egyptian |
| whatsoever. Interesting that when there is a lack | | | | life. Music was no longer an art of the elite classes. |
| of physical evidence, that archeologists, scientists, | | | | The New Kingdom saw a strong influence from |
| and many others could draw such a conclusion. | | | | eastern instruments. Instruments were far louder |
| One must ask, how can any civilization as grand | | | | with eastern shawms and trumpets now playing a |
| as the ancient Egyptians be completely devoid of | | | | pivotal role. These instruments originated in China. |
| a musical culture? | | | | Music and songs became a favorite object a |
| This would change with the discoveries of ancient | | | | strong part of Egyptian life. Music was used for |
| harps in the pharaoh's tombs of Thebes by | | | | educating young people as well as in public and |
| James Bruce in the 18th century. The splendor of | | | | private ceremonies. It was also used in prayers |
| the ancient musical world of Egypt began to | | | | and funerals. |
| unravel. In the Old Kingdom, we find a variety of | | | | Some scholars believe that Egyptians even had a |
| soft sounding instruments; harps, vertical flutes, | | | | form of notation. Various stellas have been found |
| double reed pipes. This provides insight into the | | | | which depict a group of musicians with what |
| musical background of the Old Kingdom, which | | | | appears to be a person giving had signal to |
| existed from 3000 BC to 1580 BC. Music was an | | | | communicate to the musicians which notes should |
| art reserved for the upper classes. As Asian | | | | be played. |
| instruments were imported into Egypt, the elite | | | | We will never know the extent of this great |
| classes attempted to preserve the older styles | | | | civilization's musical life, but it appears to rival even |
| and older instruments. Percussion instruments | | | | our modern day civilization. It is amazing that |
| began to play a strong part in the ancient's life. | | | | after a breakthrough in archeology, Egypt went |
| Music at the end of the old Kingdom became | | | | from a society with no music to a musically great |
| progressively louder as new instruments and | | | | society. |