![]() More specifically, I shall advance a new hypothesis concerning the nature of Phrynis’ in- novative ‘twister’ (strobilos): producing a special bending (kampē) of a semitone, this gadget allowed Phrynis to combine five different harmoniai (Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Iastian and ‘Loose Lydian’) in one and the same twelve-string tuning. ![]() In this paper, I offer a close discussion of the musical innovations attributed to Phrynis, Timotheus and other ‘New Musicians’ mentioned in a famous fragment of Pherecrates’ Chiron, interpreting this fascinating passage in the light of the extant evidence about ancient harmonic theory and practice, as well as the latest research findings. It concludes that on the level of rhythm and melody there was a form of permanence regarding the internal logic. Furthermore, it looks for the cultural explanations formulated in Antiquity for the presence of aulos-music in sporting competition and military activities. Therefore, it analyses the musical repertoire of work songs, and the related iconography of the vintage or bread-kneading. This work seeks to identify an internal logic of this cultural phenomenon and to investigate whether the reasons for this musical usage over this long period, in varied situations, including labour, athletic and military activities, follows the same general trans-historical logic, or whether the likeness is only superficial. ![]() Such accompaniment, mainly by the aulos, is verified over a millennium both in iconographic and literary sources from the Homeric poems to late Antique texts and mosaics from the time of Justinian. The present article aims to study the musical accompaniment of physical activities such as work, athletic or military practices.
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