Author Description

Rafael Perez Arroyo's comprehensive and detailed study of ancient Egyptian music and musical instruments is now available in English. This volume, the first in a planned series of four, is devoted to the Predynastic and Old Kingdom periods, and was awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport the title of best scientific book published in Spain in 2002. Supported by many photographs, often in colour, the study discusses and catalogues the musical instruments of the period now held in the Egyptian Museum, including rattles, clappers and harps. Arroyo examines in detail the construction of early Egyptian rhythm and melody and musical iconography in art, before discussing the social and religious aspects of music and the status of the musician. The book ends with a catalogue of inscriptions and a selection of hymns in hieroglyphs with transcription and translation.