July 8, 200619 yr Hello everyone. The teacher I am currently studying composition with never learned 18th century counterpoint. I was wondering if any of you know of a method book or something to that extent that teaches 18th century counterpoint. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you! ty
July 9, 200619 yr 18th century counterpoint is for the birds. REAL composers have no need for it, didn't you know that?
July 9, 200619 yr But seriously, if you want to learn counterpoint as it was taught in the 18th century, there's no better way than to start with Zarlino. Then there are the actual 18th century treatises by Fux and Rameau. You've also got strict and free counterpoint to deal with.
July 9, 200619 yr Bakhtiyar is right about Fux and Rameau. I can't say I've heard of Zarlino, but if he recommends it, it must be good. There is an excellent translation by Alfred Mann of Fux's Gradus ad Parnassum available, called "The Study of Counterpoint." It changed my life.
July 9, 200619 yr Author Ok. I will definately look into those. I have already studied 16th century counterpoint...but I fear I will never actually use it.
July 9, 200619 yr Ok. I will definately look into those. I have already studied 16th century counterpoint...but I fear I will never actually use it. 16th century counterpoint (strict counterpoint) like Palestrina and Zarlino form the basis of 18th century counterpoint. It's what the Baroque and Classical composers studied, if they studied anything. Also, if you want to get more advanced, try picking up a copy of Taneiev's "Convertible Counterpoint in the Strict Style." A thorouh study of the Art of Fugue (which I've never done) by copying and arranging is also bound to help.
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