The Evolutionary Pentatonism in Nicomachus, the Extant Fragments and an Ancient Greek Musical Praxis

Abstract Pentatonism in ancient Greek music refers to so called ‘gapped scales’, quoted by Pseudo-Aristotle, Pseudo-Plutarch, Nicomachus and Aristides Quintilianus. In the case of Nicomachus, interchangeabilities pitches positions notes, with musical nomenclature, make text incomprehensible. These extracts have already been analyzed Chailley (1956, 1968), Barker (1989, 2007) Franklin (2019). It is important though, shift from Western concept order unfold process revealed texts. Ethnomusicological research reveals a network dialects which follows an evolutionary suggests new possible interpretations: it breaks down predominant theory cycle fifths leads ‘flexible’ pentatonism, produced focal points created ‘building up’ or ‘making’ scales. Additionally, critical approach extant fragments environs field Ethnomusicology offers interpretations for praxis .