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Mesopotamia Music

 

   Ancient Mesopotamia played all kinds of music. Music was part of their religion, and their life. They used music to communicate with their gods. It entertained kings and was used for celebrations. People have found instruments in tombs because Mesopotamians would put it in a ruler’s tomb so he would play it in the afterlife. There has only been about six instruments discovered. Makes me wonder how many instruments they invented.

    In Ancient Mesopotamia they play with all sorts of instruments and music. Mesopotamians had instruments called the lyre, harp, lute, woodwind, and drum.  There instruments were made of rocks, wood, and bone. They would decorate their instruments with gold and jewels.  Mesopotamians liked playing music when there was joy, boredom, and to speak to their gods.

    Mesopotamians would play music at special events and also used music with religion. They would play for relaxation, celebration, entertainment, and to communicate with their gods. Some special events they played at were weddings, funerals, and births. The people who played the instruments could be second class, third class, or servants. Mesopotamian gods were known as an instrument like Ishtar god of reed pipes and Enki the god of the drums. You have a choice to be a musician if you're 2nd class but if you're a servant to the king and he puts you to be a musician you don't have a choice.

    If a child’s parents were in the third or second class the child could be a musician. They would learn how to play in school. You could also become a servant to the king and play music for him.

    Music was part of the Mesopotamians life. They used it for worship, to communicate with their gods, and for celebration. Mesopotamians had a large number of instruments. They played at weddings, funerals, and entertainment. Certain people had to play the music like servants and third class because first class wouldn't do it because it is a job for the lower class. Because there has been about six instruments discovered, How will we find them all?