Discussion: "Music Soothes The Savage Beast"

[physix]

Okay, so we all know this isn't the correct phrase, just the more common between the two.

I'm currently discussing A.English vs B.English with my ex. He believes that British English was the first to bastardize the phrase, but I think it would have to be American journalism, under pressure of censors and what not.

I've searched around, and there are plenty of sites talking about the original phrase. But I'm looking for something about when the first reported sighting of the mis-quote appeared.

Any help would be appreciated.

thanks!

 

[(Wordy)]

So, the original phrase you're talking about is "Music has charms to soothe a savage breast" (William Congreve)?

"Music soothes the savage beast" comes from the Latin "Musica delenit bestiam feram". Presuming that this Latin phrase predates Congreve's, was Congreve alluding to it? It's difficult to come to any conclusions from the cursory info on the internet. It's clear that Congreve was alluding to Orpheus, whose music (famously) had the power to tame beasts.

So, I'm entertaining the possibility that it's not a misquote at all - but that both phrases have historical validity.

 

[physix]

ahhh, thanks for that additional information!

it definitely helps!