The Craft of Tonal Counterpoint

First Published in 2003. The Craft of Tonal Counterpoint is an introductory text to the analysis and composition of tonal counterpoint. Using examples from the music of J.S. Bach - the master of this style - the author takes students through a series of carefully graded, cumulative exercises that stress both analysis and writing. Benjamin covers chromaticism and fugal writing in exceptional detail. The exercises cover a wide range of formats, including error detection, linear pitch reduction, analysis and composition. The book also incorporates a 100-page anthology of scores, effective for analysis, in-class performance, and compositional models.

Chapter 01 Line and Other Elements of Style; Chapter 02 Nonimitative Two-Voice Writing; Chapter 03 Chromaticism in Two Voices; Chapter 04 Composition of Binary Dance Forms; Chapter 05 Double (Invertible) Counterpoint; Chapter 06 Imitation; Canon; Chapter 07 The Two-Voice Invention; Chapter 08 Three-Voice Counterpoint I: Texture, Rhythm, Harmony; Chapter 09 Three-Voice Counterpoint II: Chromaticism, Triple Counterpoint, Canon; Chapter 10 Fugue I; Chapter 11 Fugue II; Chapter 12 Four-Voice Counterpoint; Chapter 13 Variation Forms; Chapter 14 Cantus Firmus Procedure: The Chorale Prelude; Chapter 15 Conclusion;

Thomas Benjamin