This is the oldest piece of music known to humankind. It’s engraved in cuneiform on a tablet from 1400 BC. And it was a hymn to their goddess Nikkal.

I wasn’t actually expecting something serious.

That was, um, actually unexpected.

What is this grand old instrument? It is almost ethereal to my ears!

I wish more ancient music was written down. It’d be interesting to study it!

Only 15th century BC kids will remember this bop

It would’ve likely originally been played on a sammûm, a bit like a lyre, in accompaniment of a singer.

Whilst its the oldest piece of music, it’s not complete (I believe the oldest complete song is the Seikilos Epitaph), so it’s transcription is controversial; there are a few differing decipherments.