EURHYTHMICS

a general term, but usually used to denote a system of education evolved by Emile JaquesDaleroze of Geneva. This form of training bears on all art, but especially on the art of music. Eurhythmics is e entially an original contribution to education. It aims at training musical sense on the broadest lines, using the body as an instrument of expre ion. Breaking away from preconceived ideas of music as a phenomenon of sound only, M. Dalcroze claims that musie is innate. From this standpoint it follows that musicality as such is capable of cultivation apart from instrumental performance. Rhythm, not being a quality confined to music, but found common to all art, and fundamental to life, can, therefore, be developed from within the human being. This the Dal croze system claims to do. Rhythm of sound plays a lead, ing part in that it is allied to movement. Exercises at the piano are played to which the pupil listens, and to which he responds in movement— movement so closely allied to the music that it is a form of musical imagery. The technique is developed on simple lines to serve this end only. The system is progre ive, starting from elementary rhythmic structure, and ending with complete musical form. It is far-reaching in educative purpose. It claims to free innate rhythm, to develop it for individual self-expre ion; to bring mind and body into closer unity, and in their interaction to give poise to both; to train accurate musical listening, ready a imilation of musical language and 254 EURIPI DES its spontaneous translation into terms of movement; to give musical experiences which shall be heard and felt; to cultivate musical expre ion and creation (in movement); to blend self discipline with emotion. IMG:fig255_1.jpg: