Inhalt:
This classic introductory text focuses on the polyphonic vocal style
perfected by Palestrina. Unlike many other texts, it maintains a careful
balance between theoretical and practical problems, between historical and
systematic methodology. The result is an exceptionally useful resource, ideal
for classroom use in teaching modal counterpoint.
In Part One, Knud Jeppesen (1892-1974), the world-renowned musicologist and
leading authority on Palestrina, offers a superb outline history of
contrapuntal theory. He begins by exploring the beginnings of contrapuntal
theory from the ninth to the fourteenth centuries. This is followed by
separate discussions of each succeeding century, the styles of Palestrina and
Bach, the 'Palestrina Movement' after Fux, and more. The section ends with
illuminating coverage of notation, the ecclesiastical modes, melody, and
harmony.
The second part of the book contains an extended treatment of 'species'
counterpoint in two, three, and four parts, as well as counterpoint in more
than four parts, and specific discussions of the canon, the motet, and the
Mass. Throughout, the text is generously supplied with musical
examplesexercises, solutions, and illustrations, including many by the great
composers. For this edition, the distinguished scholar Alfred Mann has
contributed a new foreword to Jeppesen's classic study. Now available in
paperback for the first time, it will be welcomed by musicians, composers,
theorists, musicologistsany student of counterpoint and the Western musical
tradition.