A Reading of Fragments 926(a) and 926(g) PMG within the Context of the New Music

There has been much controversy regarding the date, performative context, and generic quality of fragment 926 PMG, which preserved on papyrus (P. Oxy. 9 + P. Oxy 2687) in a rhythmical treatise by an unknown author. The verse fragments this were composed iambic dactyls (∪ — ∪ –) used as examples occurrence syncope various lyric meters. Fragments 926(a) (g) PMG are from composition performed maiden chorus bear similarities to Alcman’s partheneia have affinities with archaic epic poetry. Supposedly, these might time New Music. Nonetheless, they not shaped according bulk aesthetic values compositional rules These seem belong cultic songs created for choruses, possibly, honor Dionysus. alternative is that imitate such within dramatic context. We may assume quasi-dithyrambic serve religious needs or at least imitated songs. They looked backward early classical tradition partheneia, their existence indication that, days Music, there was poetic upheld “reactionary” poets.