Euterpeu : Bench - "Seikilos Epitaph"

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This bench proposal was made for the ARTEAM music school and is inspired by the Euterpe music muse, with the subconcept based on the work "Epitaph of Seikilos"
The bench is anodized in bronze and uses duality to create a unique and striking piece. On its surface is a sentence that conveys the whole meaning and concept behind its creation: "I am a tombstone, an icon; Seikilos placed me here as a lasting sign of immortal remembrance." This sentence will be presented both in Portuguese and in ancient Greek, creating a connection with the inspiration of the work.

The idea behind the project is to create a lasting and immortal piece, just like music, which is capable of transcending time and moving people over the years. The bench is a symbol of the importance of art and music in our society and serves as an invitation to sit back, relax and enjoy the sounds that surround us.

Inspiration from the muse Euterpe and the work "Epitaph of Seikilos" create a deep and meaningful concept that is reflected in every detail of the bench. We hope this piece can inspire and move everyone who sees it.

Musa Euterpe is actually the name of the Greek goddess of music, poetry, and lyrical songs. She was one of the nine muses in Greek mythology, believed to inspire creativity and the arts.

Euterpe was often depicted holding a flute or lyre and was seen as the patroness of music and musicians. According to legend, she invented various musical instruments, including the aulos (a type of double flute) and the syrinx (a pan flute).

In Greek culture, Euterpe was highly revered and celebrated, and many works of art and literature were dedicated to her. Today, her name is still associated with music and creativity, and the term "euterpeu" is sometimes used to describe artwork or music that is particularly inspired or imaginative.

The goddess Euterpe was considered one of the most important muses in Greek mythology, along with her eight sisters, each representing a different form of art and creativity.

Euterpe was typically portrayed with a crown of flowers or laurels on her head and often carried a flute or lyre, which were common musical instruments in Ancient Greece. According to mythology, she was responsible for teaching music to people, and her songs were considered magical and capable of healing diseases and soothing emotions.

In addition to being the patroness of music and musicians, Euterpe was also seen as the protector of poets and literary arts. Her domains included lyrical poetry, tragedy, and comedy, and many poets and writers invoked her name in their works to seek inspiration and creativity.

Euterpe's influence on ancient Greek culture was so significant that she was honored in various forms of art, including paintings, sculptures, and plays. Her importance also extended beyond Greece, with many other ancient cultures recognizing her as a goddess of music and the creative arts.

In this proposal, we present our design project for a bench, which was inspired by the ancient Greek musical composition "Epitaph of Seikilos." The concept behind this project was to merge the history and culture of ancient Greece with contemporary style, creating a product that not only served as a functional furniture item but also as a piece of art. Drawing inspiration from ancient music, we explored the relationship between art and design, as well as the significance of culture and history in the development of modern projects. In this work, we will detail the research, design, and production process of the bench, discussing the material choices, production techniques used, and how the musical composition served as a source of inspiration for the design choices. We hope that this work can demonstrate how art and culture can be meaningfully incorporated into modern design projects and inspire future endeavors that explore this unique relationship between history and art.

The Epitaph of Seikilos is a singular and captivating piece of music history. It is the oldest complete musical composition in the world, dating back to the first or second century AD. This ancient Greek song, inscribed on a tombstone, has fascinated scholars, musicians, and enthusiasts for centuries. This essay will delve into the origins, historical context, and significance of the Epitaph of Seikilos, as well as explore professional assessments and credible bibliographic sources in the world of music.

Origins and Historical Context

The Epitaph of Seikilos was discovered in 1883 in the ancient city of Tralles, near present-day Aydın, Turkey. The tombstone, now housed in the National Museum of Denmark, bears an inscription in Greek that includes the lyrics of the song and the musical notation. The epitaph is dedicated to a woman named Euterpe, and the music was composed by a man named Seikilos, presumably her husband or close relative.

The lyrics of the song, translated into English, say:

"While you live, shine

Have no grief at all

Life exists only for a short while

And time demands its tribute."

The musical notation used in the Epitaph of Seikilos is based on the ancient Greek system of musical theory, predating the modern Western system. The notation consists of symbols placed above the text, indicating the pitch and rhythm of the melody. The music is composed in the Phrygian mode, a scale similar to the modern minor scale, and it has a simple and haunting melody that reflects the somber yet hopeful message of the lyrics.

The Epitaph of Seikilos provides valuable insights into the musical culture of ancient Greece and the broader Mediterranean world. Music played a significant role in Greek society, serving various functions in religious ceremonies, theatrical performances, and social gatherings. The discovery of the Epitaph of Seikilos, along with other fragments of ancient Greek music, has allowed scholars to reconstruct the theoretical foundations of Greek music and gain a better understanding of its role in ancient society.

Importance and Meaning

The Epitaph of Seikilos holds immense importance in the world of music history for several reasons. Firstly, it is the oldest known complete musical composition, providing a rare glimpse into the musical practices of the ancient world. While there are other fragments of ancient Greek music, none are as complete or well-preserved as the Epitaph of Seikilos. This makes it an invaluable resource for scholars and musicians seeking to understand the origins and development of Western music.

Secondly, the Epitaph of Seikilos demonstrates the sophistication and complexity of ancient Greek musical theory. The notation and structure of the song reveal a highly developed system of scales, modes, and rhythmic patterns that laid the foundations for the Western musical tradition. The Phrygian mode used in the song, for example, would later influence the development of medieval church modes and the modern minor scale.

Lastly, the Epitaph of Seikilos serves as a poignant reminder of the universal and timeless nature of music. The simple yet profound message of hope and resilience in the face of life's fleeting nature resonates across centuries, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. The fact that this ancient melody can still be performed and appreciated today is a testament to the enduring power of music to connect and inspire.

Connection with the primary concept of the collection

The "Epitaph of Seikilos" is an ancient musical piece that was written to honor the composer Seikilos' wife, Euterpe, and express the idea of seizing life while one can. It is believed to have been created approximately two thousand years ago during the Hellenistic period of Ancient Greece and is considered the oldest surviving complete musical composition.

Euterpe, in Greek mythology, is known as the goddess of music and lyric poetry. She is often depicted carrying a flute, an instrument that was highly popular during the time of Ancient Greece and is also used in the performance of the "Epitaph of Seikilos".

Therefore, there is a strong connection between the "Epitaph of Seikilos" and the muse Euterpe, as both works revolve around the theme of music and its importance in human life. Additionally, the use of the flute in Seikilos' composition is a tribute to the goddess of music, who was often depicted playing that instrument. Together, these works serve as an expression of the value that music held in ancient Greek society and how it was seen as an art form capable of conveying emotions and ideas in a profound and meaningful way.

Professional Reviews

The Epitaph of Seikilos has been the subject of extensive study and analysis by musicologists, historians, and archaeologists. Scholars such as Thomas J. Mathiesen, Solon Michaelides, and Annie Bélis have contributed to our understanding of the notation, structure, and historical context of the song.

Mathiesen, in his book "Apollo's Lyre: Greek Music and Music Theory in Antiquity and the Middle Ages," provides a comprehensive overview of ancient Greek music theory and its influence on later Western music. He discusses the Epitaph of Seikilos as a key example of the Greek musical tradition, highlighting its use of the Phrygian mode and its significance as the oldest complete musical composition.

Michaelides, in his article "The Music of Ancient Greece: An Encyclopedia," offers a detailed analysis of the Epitaph of Seikilos, examining its notation, melody, and rhythmic structure. He also explores the cultural and historical context of the song, shedding light on the role of music in ancient Greek society and the broader Mediterranean world.

Bélis, in her book "Les Musiciens dans l'Antiquité," delves into the lives and works of ancient Greek musicians, including Seikilos. She provides a meticulous analysis of the Epitaph of Seikilos, discussing its origins, importance, and the challenges involved.

These professional evaluations and scholarly works contribute to our understanding of the Epitaph of Seikilos as a significant musical composition in the ancient world, shedding light on its historical and cultural significance.