Rhythm and metre in Leos Janacek’s early theoretical concept

Abstract

This piece of research focuses on the first theoretical study published by Leoš Janáček and the way in which the composer understands to include contemporary and ancient philosophical and aesthetic principles in his thinking. We see how the author subordinates his theoretical musical thinking regarding rhythm and metre, as well as his concept of accents and nuances to those principles. My study sheds light on some unclear expressions, on other downright daring and novel ones, attempts to explain them and references the great Czech musician’s subsequent theoretical contributions. Beyond statements and hypotheses, the conclusion that I have reached constitutes an impulse to continue the research and go thoroughly into the theoretical concepts set forth by one of the greatest thinker-musicians of humanity.