The Essentials of Counterpoint

by Ferdinand Davis

125 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Essentials of Counterpoint does not explain the art of counterpoint conceptually nor define its terms of art. What it excels at is to spell out the rules of counterpoint, recipe style. There are instructions for the traditional Fuxian species of strict counterpoint, first through fifth species, for two- and three-part harmony. The second, much briefer, section is on the rules of invertible counterpoint. The third section delves into canon, imitation, and melodic transformations.

This book is valuable as a reference for musicians with existing skills in theory and counterpoint or as a text for studying with a teacher who can fill in the gaps and explain terms as needed.