The Hurrian Songs are the oldest surviving melodies with known pitch and lyrics, dating back to around 1400 BC. They were discovered by archeologists on a clay tablet in the ancient Syrian city of Ugarit.
The songs are written in the Hurrian language, and they provide valuable insight into the musical culture of the ancient Near East. They feature simple melodies and structures, with lyrics that explore themes such as love, nature, and religious devotion.
The Hurrian Songs are also notable for their use of the *seven-note musical scale*, which is still used in Western music today. This makes them one of the earliest known examples of tonal music.
The discovery of the Hurrian Songs has greatly contributed to our understanding of ancient music and its development. They are a testament to the richness and diversity of musical expression throughout human history.