Adjusting Words to Music: Prolongating Syllables and the Example of 'Dactylo-Epitrite'. (2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hagel, Stefan
• Is Part Of: Journal of Hellenic studies. Volume 138(2018)
• Page Start: 227
• Page End: 248
• Publication Date: 2018
• Subjects: Ancient Greek metre, -- ancient Greek music, -- Pindar; Greek philology -- Periodicals; Inscriptions, Greek -- Periodicals; Greece -- Antiquities -- Periodicals; 938
• DOI: 10.1017/S0075426918000149
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0075-4269

Abstract

Abstract: Comparison between an original ancient composition and modern supplements shows that the ancient poetcomposer paid attention to sub-metrical parameters defining the suitability of a metrically long syllable for extended voiced performance. This criterion is explored as a potential guide to overlong syllables, developing a statistical method including thoroughly calculated weighted expectations. The method is then applied to Pindar's dactylo-epitritic Epinicia, where the rhythmical time of 'missing link syllables' is shown to have been incorporated within the preceding syllable. The notation and the rhythm of dactylo-epitrites are discussed in detail.