Music in Ephesus

The Musical Culture of Ancient Ephesus

In ancient Ephesus, music was an indispensable part of social life. Religious ceremonies, festivals, theater plays, and daily rituals were conducted with music to enhance the atmosphere of the rituals. Archaeological findings indicate that music played a central role in the social and religious life of Ephesus; music was present at almost every event, from temple ceremonies to entertainment. Musicians were typically recognized for both their composer and performer identities and wore special outfits. Their roles in royal households and mentions in inscriptions suggest their revered and high status in society.

Instruments Used

Lyre

The lyre, one of the most common string instruments in the Greek and Roman world, was a small type of harp with a turtle shell or wooden body, two arms, and stretched strings. It was frequently used by poets and minstrels in hymns and poetic recitations and taught to young people in education. The lyre allowed for musical accompaniment across a wide range, from religious ceremonies to banquets.

Kithara

The kithara, a larger and more developed type of lyre, was a string instrument preferred by professional musicians. With a wooden body and seven or more strings, it had a powerful sound output. The kithara was usually played at competitions and concert-like performances and was considered the instrument of virtuoso musicians.

Aulos

The aulos, a double-reed wind instrument, consisted of two pipes. The musician (aulete) could create rich and multi-layered melodies by playing both pipes simultaneously. The aulos was possibly the most used instrument in the ancient Greek world; it was played in theater plays, religious ceremonies, festival processions, and even to keep rhythm during athletes' training. Often associated with the cult of the wine god Dionysus, the aulos added energy to ceremonies with its lively and rhythmic sound.

Tympanon

The tympanon (also known as tambourine or def), a type of frame drum, consisted of a circular frame with leather stretched over it. Especially in rituals of Anatolian-originated beliefs like the goddess Cybele and Artemis cults, it was played by priestesses and devotees to provide rhythm for trance-inducing dances and ceremonies. The vibrant percussion sound of the tympanon was a significant element that increased the excitement in temple rituals and street festivities.

Music appeared everywhere in Ephesus, from hymns pleading with the gods in temples to artistic entertainment in structures like the Odeon. Tragedies and comedies performed in the 25,000-seat Great Theatre of Ephesus were executed with choruses and aulos accompaniment, offering an emotional atmosphere for audiences. In daily life too, music was ever-present: songs were sung with lyre accompaniment at banquets; flute and drum rhythms were heard at street performances. Some musicians traveled from fair to fair as wandering artists, while others were permanent staff in palaces and temples. As a result, the rich musical culture of ancient Ephesus constituted a vital part of both social unity and cultural identity.

Modern Era Music in Ephesus

Today, the ancient city of Ephesus, beyond being a mere archaeological site with its historical atmosphere, hosts international concerts. Especially the iconic Great Theatre of Ephesus has become a venue where world stars perform, thanks to its unique acoustics and grandeur. As part of various cultural and artistic events, particularly the annually organized Izmir International Festival, concerts are held at venues like the Ephesus Ancient Theatre, Celsus Library, and Odeon. These events typically include symphonic orchestras, opera performances, classical music recitals, as well as pop, rock, and jazz concerts. Thus, the ancient city is revitalized with art, offering visitors a music experience intertwined with history.

Among the world-renowned artists who have performed in Ephesus are legends like Sting, Elton John, and Diana Ross. For example, Sting gave an unforgettable concert to tens of thousands of people at the Ephesus Great Theatre on July 2, 1993. This concert went down in history as the first major rock concert held in the ancient theatre; the resonance of modern music on ancient marble tribunals was widely acclaimed. Subsequently, in 2001, Elton John delivered a historic performance in Ephesus, and artists like Ray Charles, Joan Baez, Julio Iglesias, Diana Ross, and Jethro Tull performed concerts in this unique venue during the '80s and '90s. During these concerts, the enchanting atmosphere of the ancient theatre provided a unique backdrop for the artists' performances. Artists often expressed the excitement they felt being on this stage which holds the traces of thousands of years ago.

The impact of these international concerts on Ephesus has been extremely positive. Initially, they have created a major attraction for tourism: music lovers from all over the world have flocked to Ephesus, both to listen to their favorite artists and to see this historical site. Thanks to these concerts, Ephesus has often appeared in the international press, standing out as a cultural brand. The foundation organizing the Izmir Festival (IKSEV) has succeeded in drawing the world's attention to the Ancient City of Ephesus through these events. Many famous artists have included Ephesus in the list of their major concerts, thus securing a special place for Ephesus on the global culture and art map. Consequently, these concerts held in the modern era have highlighted that the ancient city is a living space, serving to preserve and promote cultural heritage by bridging the past and the future.