Reconstructed using multi-harmonic string synthesis, dual-pipe aulos modelling, pitched percussion, conch-shell drone, and ancient Greek modal scales. Side A: Dorian (noble, solar). Side B: Phrygian (Eastern, dark, resolving).
Now Chanting
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Select a side to begin the ritual.
⟁ Instrument Mix
🪕Kithara80
🎶Aulos65
🥁Tympanum50
🐚Conch40
🔔Sistrum30
♩ Ritual Tempo
BPM58 BPM
58 BPM = processional temple pace
Musical Mode
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Instrument Reconstruction
Each instrument is synthesised from first principles using Web Audio, modelled on Bronze Age Aegean instruments attested in Minoan frescoes, Linear B tablets, and comparative Aegean archaeology.
🪕
Kithara / Lyre
Multi-harmonic additive synthesis with 5 partials. Higher partials decay faster, mimicking a plucked gut string. The dominant melodic voice. Attested in Minoan frescoes at Akrotiri (c. 1650 BCE).
🎶
Aulos (Double Flute)
Two slightly detuned sine-wave pipes (±4 cents) with a slow attack, sustain, and breath-fade. Produces the characteristic "beating" of the double pipe. The aulos was the primary Aegean ritual instrument.
🥁
Tympanum (Frame Drum)
Pitched noise burst with descending frequency sweep (100→55 Hz) and impulse transient, simulating a hand-struck frame drum — the most common Bronze Age percussion instrument in the Aegean world.
🐚
Conch Shell (Triton)
Low-frequency sine wave (A1 = 55 Hz) with slow tremolo (4.5 Hz LFO) and gentle harmonics. Conch shells were found at Minoan ritual sites and used as drone instruments in sacred ceremonies.
🔔
Sistrum (Rattle)
High-frequency filtered noise burst on strong beats, simulating the metallic rattle of the Egyptian-Minoan sistrum. Used to mark section boundaries and sacred moments.
☉ Side A — Dorian Mode (Solar)
ABCDEF♯GA
The ancient Dorian: considered the most noble and martial of ancient modes. The raised 6th (F♯) gives it a distinctive brightness. Associated with the sun, order, and divine authority in Aegean musical tradition.
☽ Side B — Phrygian Mode (Lunar)
AB♭CDEFGA
The Phrygian: the darkest, most Eastern of the ancient modes. The flat 2nd (B♭) creates the characteristic "Phrygian" sound used in Anatolian and Minoan ritual music. The resolution at Side B's end rises from B♭ back to A — the descent becomes return.