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ANCIENT ROMAN MUSIC. 89
Blave behind him, whose duty it was to aid him to commence his orations in a proper pitch, and when his voice sank too low, or became too shiill, to call him to better intonation by the sounds of the flute.
Although the flute was the favorite Roman instrument, it was by no means the only one. Trumpets were used to a great extent. A one-toned trumpet of very loud voice, was used for battle signals. These were of very large size, usually of brass, and their sound is described as " terrible." There was also a smaller, shepherd's trumpet of mellower tone.
Another much used instrument, of peculiar character, was the sumphonium which did not differ materially from the modern bag-pipe.*
Instruments of percussion, were few, and not indigenous to the Romans; such as were used came from the East, and were chiefly used in the worÂship of Eastern deities, at Rome. When the worship of Bacchus was prohibited, they passed away, with that licentious rite. The most comÂplicated instrument of the ancient world, appeared in Rome during the first century of our era It was an Oryan, not as in the scriptural days a mere syrinx, or Pans-pipes, but an undoubted organ somewhat similar in its effect to our modern instrument.
The instrument is said to have been invented by Ctesebius of Alexandria, in Egypt, who lived
'These are still used Id Italy, ami their performers are called 7am poguar? Tb* dmivaHoD if obvious. |
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