Elements of Rhythm

Arystoksenos z Tarentu

Aristoxenus Elements of Rhythm is the oldest preserved scientific treaty on rhythm. Till our times survived only the second book, but also this one is incomplete. Aristoxenus, as a devoted student of Aristotle, makes use of Aristotelian notions and methods of inquiry extensively. He introduces the distinction between matter of rhythm (rhythmizomenon) and rhythmical form (rhythmos), as well as makes parallels between Aristotelian theory of time, creating, moreover, a new notion of the smallest time-unit, which he call protos chronos.

Keywords: Aristoxenus · rhythm · matter of rhythm · primary time · order · foot · ratio