Poetic Rhythm and Musical Rhythm: Theories and Controversies in Nineteenth-Century Italy

Abstract

This article contains a brief exposition of theories and controversies concerning the supposed interrelationships between the standard poetic rhythm conferred by classical poetic metrics (Greek, Roman, Italian) and the musical rhythm proper, with profound implications for nineteenth-century opera music). The final aim of this paper is to map poetic metrics according to the musical phrases used, as it was envisaged by the musical theorists of the musical bel canto era and the one that followed it. A whole host of Italian or German authors (many of them almost unknown) are listed and quoted. The various, more or less speculative theories still tributary to the mentality of the time are succinctly presented. All these discussions and controversies converge towards a possible and utopian general theory of rhythm, a theory based on the analogy between the regular metrical feet of classical poetry and rhythm.