Review of Charles M. Atkinson,The Critical Nexus: Tone-System, Mode, and Notation in Early Medieval Music(Oxford University Press, 2009)
Jeremy Grall
[1] Recently a colleague of mine found me in coffee shop reading Critical Nexus: Tone-System, Mode, and Notation Early Medieval Music by Charles Atkinson. Upon hearing the title he made an audible Ieck! scurried off to avoid any further conversation. Sadly, this is not unfamiliar or even unexpected response. For those who accidentally, heaven forbid willingly, venture into realm early mode theory, most are quickly confused vernacular concept tone that only vaguely resembles tonal system today. example, simple definition exactly what constitutes versus unclear. modern scale, for matter, simply set particular intervallic patterns starting on note; however, Middle Ages was consistent concept. terminology these conventions differs considerably within primary sources Ages; therefore, we often forced grope somewhat blindly without reliable cipher decrypt various contextual rules.[2] Nexus seeks clarify hazy transition from Greek music theories Greater Lesser Perfect systems medieval tonal, modal, notational systems. book draws theoretical treatises together presents them accessible, unified study. Atkinson particularly successful navigating period tracing lineage changing definitions problems translation. great virtue it at once comprehensive intelligible treatment theory date. Atkinson's scholarship thorough throughout shows admirable sensitivity balance between practice. One gets impression both labor love type work comes out decades deliberation.[3] Chapter 1 general primer concerned primarily with Boethius, Martianus, Cassidorus; also touches briefly works Donatus, Aristides, Isidore.(1) avoids confusion beginning chapter clearly defining his conception Systems, affinities, transposition. This clear enough provide background theory. What separates much simplicity which approaches subject trivializing material. In addition, footnotes plentiful concise; helpful students limited knowledge history scholars. My criticism could have included few more figures connect concepts. survey common Systems discussion monochord determining geometric divisions, would been figure illustrating points (in addition 1.6, merely results divisions staff). Those familiar may find such rudimentary, but provided additional insight newcomers. Similarly, one confusing areas non-early specialists switch modes mode. While includes example Boethius's diagram using (his 1.8), had interpretation octave species illustrate their overall structure ranges relation another, as Calvin M. Bower's The Modes Boethius.(2)[4] last section (29-49) its best feature. …
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