hypokriton

The hypokriton was a type of musical interlude used in ancient Greek hymns and hymn collections known as "hymnbooks". It was typically a short melodic phrase inserted between the antistrophe and the epode of a strophe, or between two strophes, and functioned to create a smooth transition between the different sections of the hymn.

The exact origin and meaning of the term "hypokriton" are unclear, and its significance is still a matter of debate among scholars. However, it is often associated with the role of the hypokritos, a second-ranking musician in ancient Greece who was responsible for playing the lyre or singing secondary parts during musical performances.

In a hymnbook such as the "Hymni aliquot selecti", the hypokriton appears as a consistent musical phrase or phrase structure separating the strophes or sections of the hymn. This practice of using a short interlude to break up the strophes and create a sense of musical continuity was not unique to the hypokriton, but was also employed in other types of ancient Greek music.

The hypokriton is of significance to scholars of ancient Greek music and literature because it provides a glimpse into the structural and musical practices of ancient Greece. By studying the hypokriton and its role in ancient Greek hymns, scholars can gain a deeper understanding of the musical and cultural traditions of the time.