Plato's Political Theory of Music
Ref: The Republic Gymnastic is for the body, and music is for the soul. Gymnastic as well as music should begin in early years; the training in it should be careful and should continue through life. Music includes literature and literature can be true or false. Therefore, censorship is necessary. When modes of music change, the laws of the State always change with them. The music style must be more narrative than imitative; the artist, willing to imitate only the good and virtuous. A song or ode has three parts--the words, the melody, and the rhythm. The melody and rhythm must depend upon the words The State must not allow mixed styles that create confusion. The State must banish melodies that express lament and sorrow, and also banish instruments such as flute for promoting such melodies. Thus, only the lyre and harp are allowed. When a man allows music to play upon him and to pour into his soul through the funnel of his ears sweet and soft and melancholy airs, and his whole life is p