Aristoxenus of Taranto, the philosopher of rhythm and harmony

Dario Melissano 20 February 2025

Aristoxenus of Tarentum is a key figure in the philosophy and theory of music of the 4th century BC. His Tarentine origin and his education under the guidance of illustrious teachers, including Aristotle, helped shape his thought and works. Aristoxenus is known for his innovative approach to music, which combined theory with practical experience, a fundamental aspect of his education and career.

His most famous works, “Elements of Harmony” and “Rhythmic Elements,” represent an important body of knowledge on Greek music. In these texts, Aristoxenus explores concepts such as voice, intervals, melody, and tonality, offering a systematization of music theory that continues to influence scholars and musicians even after millennia. His statement that “music is coexistence: sensation and memory” highlights the importance of perception and memory in the musical experience, emphasizing the need for active and conscious listening.

Aristoxenus did not limit himself to writing about music, but was also interested in questions of philosophy, psychology, ethics and politics. His reflections on the power of music in education and therapy reveal an aesthetic thought that attributes to music a fundamental role in the formation of the individual and in society. He argued that music could purify the mind and positively influence human behavior, an idea that is linked to the Pythagorean tradition.

In addition, Aristoxenus wrote biographies of important figures such as Pythagoras and Plato, showing a critical approach to these thinkers. Although many of his works have been lost, the fragments that remain offer an important testimony to ancient Greek thought and its lasting legacy.

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Aristoxenus of Taranto, the philosopher of rhythm and harmony

Written by Dario Melissano

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Aristoxenus of Taranto, the philosopher of rhythm and harmony

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