The examination of ancient historical accounts of the development of rhythmopoiia in ancient Greek music and the analysis of the main rhythmical features associated with modernist composers of the late fifth-early fourth century BC show that the actual ‘novelty’ of New Music style in this field lies in a more consistent and elaborate use of existing resources rather than in the invention of new practices (perhaps, with the only exception of warbles). Among other passages, Ar. Th. 120-2 and Tim. PMG 791.229-33 are taken into deeper consideration. [https://brill.com/abstract/journals/grms/7/1/article-p70_6.xml]