DESCRIPTION:
Although the sacred music of ancient Egypt has been lost for millenia and is still shrouded in mystery, there are nevertheless countless hints and intimations of the exquisite place of music within the culture of dynastic Egyptian society. As yet, to our knowledge, there is no known musical notation which, if deciphered, would allow a direct transcription of their music for interpretation and performances today.

At this time, after much research, the musicians at the Shelter of Clear Light have begun to decipher and record music that is derived from the archeological evidence which has survived to this day. Such evidence includes actual instruments such as ancient harps and flutes which reside in museum collections around the world. And, for example, it has been reported that one flute dating from the 3rd millenia BC, when played, was pitched to an aeolian pentatonic scale. We do know that music pervaded every aspect of Egyptian life. This is evidenced by the fortunate abundance of images depicting music played in both sacred and more secular contexts. We can see many different ensembles of instruments, as well as an occasional depiction of a kind of music master or conductor, who appears to be signaling the musicians with hand gestures.