1. What are the Hurrian songs? Why are they important?
A. The Hurrian songs were a set of fragmentary relics. They are important because they are a nearly complete example of notated music from around 1400 BCE.
2. What is the Natya Shastra? Why is it important?
A. The Natya Shastra is a written discourse on the performing arts. It is important because this document might represent the foundation of music and other fine arts.
3. Who were troubadours? What was their music like?
A. The troubadours were traveling poet-musicians. Their music was monophonic.
4. What are the modes in Western music? Describe at least one mode in Western music.
A. The modes are a series of pitches used to compose and play music. An example would be Dorian mode.
5. What is polyphonic music? How does it differ from monophonic music?
A. Polyphonic music uses two or more independent melodies. Its different from monophonic music because monophonic was dominated in the early Middle Ages and polyphonic was more popular and in use.
Critical Thinking Questions
1. Why did early humans develop music? What are some of the ways that they were thought to create music?
A. Early humans developed music to mimic the sounds they heard and to also help with humans. Some of the ways they were thought to create music were mostly with their voices.
2. Why is the study of prehistoric and ancient music important? What can we learn from it?
A. The study of ancient and prehistoric music is important because it uncovers evidence related to music and how they influence music today.
3. What roles did music play in the life of prehistoric and ancient people? Are the roles similar to or different from the roles that it plays today?
A. Music long ago was mainly used for hunting or rituals, I believe. And now its used to either get their opinion out or to make a popular hit. The roles are very different.
4. What were the effects of musical notation on music, society, and composers?
A.