Classical Mythology

CHAPTER

28

CLASSICAL MYTHOLOGY IN MUSIC,

DANCE, AND FILM

MYTHOLOGY IN MUSIC

EUROPEAN BEGINNINGS AND DEVELOPMENTS

The topic of classical mythology in music is vast, rich, and important; we can
only attempt to suggest the significance and vitality of Greek and Roman in-
spiration in this fascinating and rewarding area. Opera provides the most obvi-
ous focal point for such a cursory discussion, yet, as will be seen, works in every
genre have been inspired by ancient Greece and Rome. Our major concern is the
treatment of mythological themes but, on occasion, we include a few important
works dealing with legendary subjects in Greek and Roman history. Fortunately,
the ever-expanding repertoires of the recording companies are making even the
more esoteric works accessible. A veritable gold mine of musical compositions
on classical themes of every sort and period is now available, with great prom-
ise of many more to come; and contemporary, live performances continue to be
ever more adventuresome. To derive the most value from this entire chapter, re-
cent, complete catalogues of compact discs, cassette tapes, videos, and DVDs
will be a great asset. Be aware that recordings come and go at a disturbing rate.

Galilei and the Camerata. Music and myth were closely related in the culture of
ancient Greece and Rome. Drama, for example, was rooted in music and the
dance, and its origins were religious.^1 Music was also linked with drama in the
Middle Ages, in the liturgical mystery and miracle plays, and again the impe-
tus was religious. During the Renaissance, with its veneration of antiquity,
tragedy and comedy were often inspired by Greek and Roman originals, and
quite elaborate musical choruses and interludes were sometimes added. The
years ushering in the Baroque period (ca. 1600-1750), however, provide the real
beginning for our survey.
In 1581, Vincenzo Galilei (father of the renowned astronomer), spokesman
for a literary and artistic society of Florence called the Camerata, published
Dialogo délia Musica Antica e delta Moderna. The revolutionary goals of the

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