Defending the Dodecachordon: Ideological Currents in Glarean's Modal Theory

Abstract

Although Heinrich Glarean's assertion of a twelvefold modal system is well known, the diverse ideological forces that guided his inquiry into the nature of mode and its presentation to the public have been only partially explored. Assessment of Dodecachordon from an ideological perspective reveals a remarkable symbiosis among rationalist, religious, and humanist currents, a marked concern for religious orthodoxy, and a strong advocacy of traditional plainchant. A universalist view of the concepts defined in music theory guides Glarean's interpretations of ancient Greek theory and Latin plainsong alike. Cultural factors had a decisive impact upon the exposition of theory in Dodecachordon.