Once again the Roman Baths are taking part in the Culture24 event of Museums at Night. There will be many (at least 500) museums involved this year over a three day period; from 16 May 2013 to 18 May 2013.
This year the Roman Baths will stay open late, 6pm-9pm (last entry 8pm) to let visitors have a wonderful night enjoying live music around the site while viewing the Great Bath in torch light. There will even be a Drop-in event to create your very own musical instrument!
This blog is going to give you a bit of background information of the music and instruments you will hear throughout the museum.
Period: Ancient Roman
Musician: Michael Levy
Instrument: Lyre
The Lyre
The instrument that has been known as a lyre was mentioned in a biblical context but for this introduction to the instrument we will start like any good story starts, in Greece and the Middle East. There are inscriptions, pots, and paintings that date back thousands of years indicating this musical instruments use within the culture.
*Fact- did you know that when archaeologist found Minerva’s head, which is on display in the museum, they originally thought it was the head of Apollo?
The lyre is not often seen in orchestras or bands these days. However they did pave the way for today’s modern string instruments. The closest instrument to a lyre you will find right now is the Harp. The size is vast between the two instruments but if you look at them, you will notice that the shapes are similar.
Period: Medieval
Musicians: Waytes and Measures
Instruments: Tabor, Percussion, Fiddle, Hurdy Gurdy, etc.
To learn more about Waytes and Measures visit: http://waytesandmeasures.org.uk/
With the introduction of medieval instruments and music we start to head towards sounds that could be mistaken for modern. This is the time of the traveling troubadour that created love poems for maidens and triumph songs for warriors.
This was also the time that musical notation started to form, music theories were produced, and modern musical practice was born.
Period: Modern
Musicians: Lambeth Swing
Instrument/genre: Jazz
To learn more about Lambeth Swing or here more songs visit: http://www.jameslambeth.co.uk/
Jazz has its roots in America during the 20th century. Jazz itself is hard to define; it has taken many different shapes and can very even between State lines in the US. There is a key to Jazz; it has to move you, it has to have a bit of soul. But it is not what you would call soul music, that’s a completely different genre.
While Jazz is still very much around today, you may recall a popular era in which Jazz was predominate; the 1920s. To have a Jazz group you need at least three instruments (but you are not limited to three) which should be: a brass (usually trumpet), a double bass, and a percussionist.
If you are looking for something to do Friday night, 17 May, visit the Fashion Museum where you can get a tour of the museum then either – Have a Champagne tasting (£22 per ticket) or Learn to dance like Jane Austin did (£5 per ticket). Remember to book through – www.bathboxoffice.org.uk/
If you are out of the area those days check on the Culture24’s website www.museumsatnight.org.uk to find a museum near you to enjoy some fun during the night.
Jenn
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