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Song of Seikilos

The Seikilos epitaph is the oldest surviving example of a complete musical composition, including musical notation, from anywhere in the world. The song, the melody of which is recorded, alongside its lyrics, in the ancient Greek musical notation, was found engraved on a tombstone, near Aidin, Turkey (not far from Ephesus). The find has been dated variously from around 200 BC to around AD 100.

 

 

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"I am a portrait in stone.

 

I was put here by Seikelos,

 

where I remain forever,

 

the symbol of timeless remembrance.

 

As long as you live, be cheerful,

 

do not grieve at all.

 

For life is short, and time collects it's tribute."

 

 

Professors Emeriti Br. Martin Yribarren and Alexis Doval perform the song:


Music and Text:

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