As a musicologist with a deep interest in the history of music, I am well-versed in the exploration of the origins of musical expression. The quest to identify the "first music in the world" is a fascinating journey that takes us back to the very beginnings of human civilization, where music was an integral part of social, religious, and cultural life.

Music, as an art form, has been with humanity for thousands of years, predating written history. The earliest forms of music were likely simple vocalizations and rhythms, used for communication, celebration, and ritual purposes. Over time, these evolved into more complex systems of melody and harmony, reflecting the cultural and technological advancements of their societies.

The Hurrian Hymn No. 6, discovered on clay tablets in modern-day Turkey, is indeed one of the oldest known pieces of notated music. Dated to around 1400 BCE, these hymns from the ancient Hurrian civilization provide us with a glimpse into the musical practices of the time. The notation system used is cuneiform, which is one of the earliest known systems of writing.

However, when considering the oldest musical composition that has survived in its entirety, we turn to the Seikilos Epitaph. This Greek tune, inscribed on a tombstone from the first century A.D., is the oldest complete musical piece with lyrics that has been preserved. The epitaph is a form of a funerary inscription, and the melody is written in a notation system that is still recognizable to us today.

It's important to note that while these pieces are among the oldest notated music, they are not necessarily the first music ever created. Music as an auditory art form was likely developed long before any system of notation was established. The true origins of music are lost to time, but the discovery of these ancient pieces allows us to appreciate the continuity and evolution of musical expression throughout human history.

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--Hurrian Hymn No. 6-- is considered the world's earliest melody, but the oldest musical composition to have survived in its entirety is a first century A.D. Greek tune known as the --Seikilos Epitaph.--Dec 18, 2015read more >>