The Pythagorean Humours and the Eight Medieval Modes
In my previous article I dealt with balancing the Humours with the eight Medieval modes
. I covered the fact that these techniques have been largely forgotten since pre-biblical times, even though the modes, themselves have continued throughout the history of music until the present time.
I now wish to talk about the various features of the Four Temperaments and begin an exploration of how we can apply musical modes to them to help bring mental balance and inner harmony. This article will deal primarily with the Phlegmatic Temperament.
Each of the Four Temperaments is connected to a pair of modes. The following table explains the relationships of the modes to the Temperaments:
Phlegmatic Humour
Increased by Dorian mode Decreased by Hypodorian
Choleric Humour
Increased by Phrygian mode Decreased by Hypophrygian
Sanguine Humour
Increased by Lydian mode Decreased by Hypolydian
Melancholic Humour
Increased by Mixolydian mode Decreased by Hypomixolydian
Phlegmatics are usually easy-going characters, often with a dry sense of humour. They prefer quiet social occasions or maybe a quiet night in, to the more energetic social scene. Mild mannered and modest, the typical phlegmatic would rather shoulder the responsibility for someone else's mistake than have to deal with them.
Phlegmatics "don't do" power or limelight, but are happy beavering away in the background. Being patient and methodical, you can rely on them whether working quietly by themselves or in a highly stressed environment. They do like a stable, ordered structure in their work, but can also rise to positions of high rank.
When the phlegmatic humour is out of balance, one may become sleepy, lethargic, lazy, slow, dull and forgetful.
The dorian mode accentuates the positive values of the Phlegmatic Humour. So it counteracts the sleepy, dullness experienced when the humour is out of balance. It can therefore be used to ease us into wakefulness in the morning or keep us mentally alert when the need arises.
The dorian mode could also be used if we desire to boost some of the other elements of the phlegmatic humour. For instance, it would be useful if we wanted to be able to keep our cool. Or we could use it to increase our diplomatic powers.
When we feel we are a little too phlegmatic, we could utilize the hypodorian. We could use it, for instance, if we are having trouble falling asleep at night, or winding down. Perhaps we have been too giving recently and now feel a bit like a doormat! In this situation the hypodorian could be useful.
I will be writing follow-up articles explaining how to play the modes for yourself. My next article, however, will deal with the Choleric Temperament.
The Pythagorean Humours and the Eight Medieval Modes
By: Cepheus
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