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The mixed Lydian moves the affections, and is fit
for tragedies. This mood, as Aristoxenus alleges, was
invented by Sappho, from whom the tragedians learned it
and joined it with the Doric. The one becomes a majestic,
lofty style, the other mollifies and stirs to pity; both which
are the properties of tragedy. The history of music, however, made Pythoclides the flute-player to be the author of
it; and Lysis reports that Lamprocles the Athenian, finding
that the diazeuxis (or separation of two tetrachords) was
not where almost all others thought it had been, but toward
the treble, made such a scheme as is now from paramese to
the highest hypate. But for the softer Lydian, being contrary to the mixed Lydian and like the Ionian, they say it
was invented by Damon the Athenian.
Plutarch. Plutarch's Morals. Translated from the Greek by several hands. Corrected and revised by. William W. Goodwin, PH. D. Boston. Little, Brown, and Company. Cambridge. Press Of John Wilson and son. 1874. 1.
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