The Music of Apollo and Dionysus

The two main cults of ancient Greece were those of Apollo and Dionysus, and music was related to both cults. The two main instruments, the aulos and the lyre, had associations with each cult. The lyre, a stringed instrument, was associated with the cult of Apollo. The music was calm and uplifting.

On the other hand, the aulos, a double reed wind instrument, which was the ancestor of the oboe, was associated with the cult of Dionysus. It was believed that the aulos was an instrument created with the intent of imitating human wailing. Drums were also a big part of the music of Dionysus. This music was exciting and emotional.