I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For

Do the numbers represent time intervals or something different? Should they be played by a string instrument, or sung, or both at the same time? Are we even sure that it is musical notation in the first place, or is it another type of instruction? We are at great risk of getting caught up in the details and technicalities.

Let us therefore take a step back and focus on the central topic at hand: music. This is of course best experienced when heard. You will now listen to a selection of the different hypotheses that have been proposed.

A bit of listening guidance: you will hear that these four interpretations of Hurrian Hymn no. 6 sound very different. Indeed, the differences heavily outnumber the similarities. It reflects the fact that the academic debate surrounding this piece of music has started to live a life of its own.

Every interpretation has its pros and cons, but until new evidence arises, we might be stuck chasing our own tails. In the meantime, we may gladly marvel at each of them and envision them being performed for Nikkal in the high circles of Ugarit. Now, go listen and compare!