Sense, Sensibility and Aesthetics: Aelian about the music of animals

Abstract

Being highly interested in animal aesthetics, Aelian’s De natura animalium has a special place among ancient zoological works. In contrast to the works about animals written by Aristoteles, Pliny, or Plutarch, Aelian’s compilation pays particular attention to the presence of art, especially music, in the lives of natural beings without reason (zoon, alogon). In this way, De natura animalium may be seen as a unique source of ancient music theory. His notes on the diversity of natural voices, on animal sensibility to the beauty of sounds and song, and on their capacity to imitate and to enjoy human musical performances provide a good overview of the role of musike in the animal sphere. Displaying curious examples of animal mimesis and catharsis, the author seems to occupy a remarkable place in the ancient debate on animal intelligence and communication. Strongly influenced by the ethos-theory of Damon and Platonism, he appears to oppose the Stoic view. In his conception, the animal voice is a gift of Nature, which, however, can be modified at the will of the animal to express particular mental and emotional states as well as to realise a performance with aesthetic value. Assuming the presence of aesthetic sensibility and creativity in the animal kingdom, Aelian defends animal intelligence, as well as providing arguments for the discussion on the origin and function of human music.