Theophrastus and Aristoxenus: confusions in musical metaphysics
Title | Theophrastus and Aristoxenus: confusions in musical metaphysics |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2004 |
Authors | Barker, A |
Ancient Authors | Theophrastus Phil. (TLG 0093), Aristoxenus Mus. (TLG 0088) |
Journal | Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies |
Volume | 47 |
Pagination | 101-117 |
Keywords | Aristosseno, Platone, Teofrasto, teoria musicale |
Abstract | Theophrastus frag. 716 [Fortenbaugh] attacks the thesis that differences between musical pitches are quantitative. Most of its fire-power is directed at harmonic theory in the 'mathematical' or 'Pythagorean' style, but one short passage (lines 108 ff.) is not. Previous commentators have identified its target as Aristoxenus; but I argue that Theophrastus' account does not fit Aristoxenus' position, and that we should look for his target in the work of earlier 'empirical' theorists. After reviewing and rejecting various possibilities, I tentatively suggest that Theophrastus' conception of the empiricists' standpoint may originate in a plausible but probably mistaken interpretation of Republic 531a-b. I then argue that so far from criticizing Aristoxenus' ideas, Theophrastus' polemic make substantial use of them. Finally, I explain how this phase of his discussion returns us to the intriguing questions from which his whole anti-quantitative tirade began. [Theophrastus and Aristoxenus, p. 101] |
DOI | 10.1111/j.2041-5370.2004.tb00245.x |
Site information
© 2007-2012 MOISA: International Society for the Study of Greek and Roman Music and Its Cultural Heritage
Site designed by Geoff Piersol and maintained by Stefan Hagel
All rights reserved.