ON THE COMPARISON OF RHETORIC AND MUSIC BY DIONYSIUS OF HALICARNASSUS

Abstract

The article examines comparisons with music found in the rhetorical works of Dionysius of Halicarnassus. The aim of the study is to analyze the peculiarities of these comparisons, to explain their significance for the ancient critic. In his comparisons, Dionysius introduces musical concepts and terms, both common and more specific. The comparisons made by Dionysius reveal the influence not only of musical theory, but also of philosophical tradition, particularly Aristotle and the Peripatetics. Dionysius emphasizes the similarity of rhetoric and music in the ability of the orator to weaken and strengthen el ements of style in the same way as a musician changes the tension of strings, as well as in acquiring the skills to master both arts. Dionysius’ musical comparisons are important explaining tools: comparisons of the style of Lysias and Thucydides with νήτη and ὑ πάτη, the average type of word composition with μέση are essential for understanding the key concepts of three styles of eloquence and three types of composition.