SANDEN, H.,
Antike Polyphonie.
Carl Winter, Heidelberg, 1957. 83p. Sewn. Pages a bit yellowed. Some library marks on cover and first pages. (Rare). Sanden ‘argues that an elaborate instrumental polyphony was an essential feature of Greek music from the earliest times, and that the very essence of a ‘harmonia’ included the consonances of fourth, fifth and octave above and below each note of the scale. Every reference to ‘sumphonos’, etc., is a reference to simultaneous sound, and the term is denied to sounds in succession: ‘Ton neben Ton ist diaphon, niemals symphony.’ Every reference to ‘krouma’, etc. (…) is taken as a reference to this elaborate polyphony, which even had its secret notation - or rather a secret reinterpretation of the ordinary ‘instrumental’ notation (…) How is all this proved? By taking passages from authors of all dates and interpreting them regardless of grammar, sense and context. It is hardly an exaggeration to say that every crucial passage is either mistranslated or penitently misinterpreted. This is a work which can safely be disregarded by serious students.’ (R.P. WINNINGTON-INGRAM in Gnomon, 1958, p.247).
€ 35.00
(Antiquarian)