VITRUVIUS ON THE VALUE OF MUSIC IN ENHANCING THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE ANTIQUE THEATER’S AUDIENCE SPACE. Part 2.

Abstract

In Vitruvius' legacy, music is noted as being important for enhancing the architectural acoustics of ancient theaters. In particular, he described in detail the sounding vessels, or ηχεια (“echea”), the effectiveness of which still has not been proven. The effect of echea on the acoustic parameters of the great classical Greek theater is investigated using computer-modeling methods. These theater models take into account the recommendations of Vitruvius and published data on the acoustic parameters of ancient theaters reconstructed in our time. The descriptions of Vitruvius and the musical theories of Aristoxenus and Pythagoras were also considered in the development of echea models. Using the standard algorithm of the EASE4.4 program, the parameters of the great theater were calculated with and without echea. Echea were found to produce a positive effect on the auditorium’s sound field acoustic parameters C50, C80, and STI.

Keywords

• greek antique theater
• sounding vessels of vitruvius
• architectural acoustics
• sound field control