The Greek Modes: Working Our Way Out of the Enharmonic Cave

Abstract

Only two incorrectly described scales of Aristides Quintilianus prevent us from a better understanding of the Greek modes. This relatively small historical error has mushroomed into what I call the Enharmonic Cave in which we now live. Our task is to work our way out of this dilemma by a fresh analysis of the "Damonian" scales of Aristides. My Two-Source Hypothesis will supply the justification for correcting the two faulty scales, Lydian and Tense Lydian. I will conclude with how we have exacerbated the problem of the Enharmonic Cave by continuing to accept the highly questionable Westphal Emendation of 1883, along with Andrew Barker's problematic "empiricist" interpretation, both of which enslave us further in the Cave, and offer no way out.