Counterpoint

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

MUS 40041 is a composition-oriented study of counterpoint , especially as practiced in the 16th ?century?. The first half of the course will be an advanced study of counterpoint in the style of Palestrina? and his contemporaries?. Through model composition exercises, we will advance from simple species counterpoint toward complex imitative polyphony. As we do so, we will study examples of polyphonic repertoire from this period. After an intensive study of 16th century counterpoint, we will then extrapolate the principles of this constitutional idiom to a variety of other styles, including 18th Century instrumental writing (invention, fugue, etc.), and modern compositions. 16th century Counterpoint is integral to the evolution of classical music through to the present day; understanding this crucial component of music theory and composition is essential to the modern practicing musician.