The role of mathematical sciences in the development of musical instruments in the Abbasid era

Abstract

The relationship between mathematical sciences and music was first established by the Greek philosophers. The Abbasids unveiled this divine secret and helped to preserve it through their aggressive translation of Greek science into Arabic. They adopted the Greek scientific discovery on musical science, integrating it with Islamic thoughts and produced many monumental musical treatises. The Greeks invented a laboratory tool called monochord to prove their scientific musical theories and acoustic hypotheses. However, the monochord’s functionality was very limited thus, the Abbasids decided to use real musical instruments as their experimental apparatus. Musical instruments initially perceived as entertainment tools to accompany singers and poets, were then utilized as laboratory apparatuses to prove mathematical and scientific hypotheses in their study of mathematical sciences. Their vast interests in mathematical sciences had elevated the status of musical instruments and music not only in the musical world, but most importantly in the Islamic world. Their contributions supported by their elite societies, their caliphs, their rational government, political influences and their great inspiration in the study of mathematical sciences intensified the prosperity towards the development of musical instruments. This research presents a historical analysis confirming the Abbasids’ contributions toward the paradigm change on the status of musical instruments to be an important scientific tool in their study of mathematical sciences, and subsequently their responsibility towards the development of musical instruments.