Music in the Ancient Roman World: Pythagorean Musical Theory
Location
Access Type
Open Access
Entry Number
19
Start Date
4-7-2021 9:30 AM
End Date
4-7-2021 9:45 AM
Department
Music
Abstract
Music theory is the study and practice of musical components such as those listed above. Authors Augustine of Hippo (345-430 C.E.) and Boethius (475-520 C.E.) have both written on music and the philosophical approach to the theory of it. Specifically, they have written on the mathematical philosophy within Pythagorean musical theory. Texts by these two authors are closely related within the Platonistic and Pythagorean ideals of thinking. Chapter X of book VI in Augustinus’ De Musica offers an insight into how he applied the Pythagorean ratio to time units in terms of equality. Boethius’ De Institutione Musica, although written after Augustinus, provides a detailed description of ratios in music based on the work of Plato and Pythagoras. Boethius’ system provided the basis for the present-day system of tuning, which then was known as Pythagorean tuning, now has evolved into equal temperament.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Elza Tiner
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Music in the Ancient Roman World: Pythagorean Musical Theory
Music theory is the study and practice of musical components such as those listed above. Authors Augustine of Hippo (345-430 C.E.) and Boethius (475-520 C.E.) have both written on music and the philosophical approach to the theory of it. Specifically, they have written on the mathematical philosophy within Pythagorean musical theory. Texts by these two authors are closely related within the Platonistic and Pythagorean ideals of thinking. Chapter X of book VI in Augustinus’ De Musica offers an insight into how he applied the Pythagorean ratio to time units in terms of equality. Boethius’ De Institutione Musica, although written after Augustinus, provides a detailed description of ratios in music based on the work of Plato and Pythagoras. Boethius’ system provided the basis for the present-day system of tuning, which then was known as Pythagorean tuning, now has evolved into equal temperament.