Religious song among the most ancient nations; Assyrians; Egyptians. Function of instrumental music in ancient religious ceremony. Symbolism; miraculous origin and powers ascribed to music. The most ancient vocal music was probably a heightening of speech inflection, an irregular chanting; its rhythm was subject to that of the poetry. Music was not a free independent art. Har mony was unknown. Music therefore did not progress beyond a half-barbaric condition. Controlled by the priestly class who op posed innovation. Music among the Greeks was more refined, but restrained by similar ideas; made little sign of progress until after the golden age of Greek art was past.