Counterpoints

Let’s draw inspiration from the wise words of Robert Schumann (1810 – 1856), who once said, “Do not be afraid of the words Theory, Thoroughbass, Counterpoint, etc.” It is crucial to embrace these fundamental aspects of music to excel in the field truly. Although these concepts may seem intimidating at first, with dedication and practice, they will become as ingrained in your mind as the lyrics of a beloved song. Remember, every great musician started by mastering the basics. Looking good! There are no more suggestions.

4. Guido d’Arezzo：（c. 991~1033），中世紀時期著名的音樂理論家，他在音樂教育上亦有諸多貢獻：首先，他發展出「線譜」（Staff Notation），此記譜法後來逐漸取代了先前所盛行之紐姆譜（Numatic Notation）；此外，他也發展出「階名唱法」（Somization），以《聖約翰讚美詩》中的每一句第一個音節作為當時便已存在之六音音階（Texachord）中各音級的唱法，即ut、re、mi、fa、sol、la六個音；他所發明的「桂多之手」（Guidonian Hand），是透過將音級名稱寫在手掌上的方式，幫助人們記憶六音音階中的唱名。

4-1. 其音樂理論著作”Micrologus”（c. 1026）記載了葛利果聖歌的演唱法及教學法，亦探討諸多當時之複音音樂作品，本著作是繼六世紀初期之哲學家Boethius以後，最廣為流傳的音樂理論著作。書中列舉了包括二聲部的平行奧甘農和自由奧甘農。在音程的使用方面，他反對完全五度和小二度的使用，較喜愛完全四度和大二度音程，而三度音程的使用也能接受。此外，最值得注意的，他提出了「occursus」的概念，被認為是音樂進行中「終止式」（Cadence）的前身，並主張這種兩聲部一齊出現的情形（即Unisin）應該由大三度反行或大二度以斜行之方式進入。

1. Johann Sebastian Bach: Bach’s mastery of counterpoint is evident in his fugues and other contrapuntal works. He once advised young composers to “copy, adapt, improve” the works of other composers, which involves understanding and practicing counterpoint techniques.
2. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Mozart was known for his exceptional contrapuntal skills, which he developed by studying the works of earlier composers like Bach and Handel. In a letter, Mozart wrote, “Melody is the essence of music. I compare a good melodist to a fine racer and counterpointists to hack post-horses.” This analogy emphasizes the importance of balancing both melody and counterpoint in composition.
3. Ludwig van Beethoven: In his letters and recorded conversations, Beethoven does occasionally mention “fugue,” a form of counterpoint. For instance, he described fugue as “an art” and incorporated fugues into many works, including his late string quartets and the monumental Missa Solemnis. Musical Evidence: Beethoven’s use of counterpoint in his music—especially in his later works—indicates his deep respect for this compositional technique. His Grosse Fuge (Op. 133) is one of the most complex contrapuntal works ever written, showing how profoundly he understood and innovated within this tradition.
4. Johannes Brahms (1833-1897): Brahms, a composer known for his deep understanding of musical structure, once stated, “Without counterpoint, there is no music.” His devotion to counterpoint is evident in his intricate and complex compositions, such as his symphonies and chamber music.
5. Claude Debussy (1862-1918): Although Debussy is primarily known for his innovative harmonic language, he had a strong foundation in counterpoint. He once said, “Music is the arithmetic of sounds as optics is the geometry of light.” This quote highlights music’s structural and mathematical aspects, which are essential in counterpoint.
6. Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971): Stravinsky, a pioneering 20th-century composer, was deeply influenced by the contrapuntal techniques of earlier composers like Bach. His ballet “Pulcinella” is a testament to his mastery of counterpoint and his ability to integrate it into his unique compositional style.
7. Paul Hindemith (1895-1963): Hindemith, a German composer and theorist, emphasized the importance of counterpoint in his teaching and compositions. His book, “The Craft of Musical Composition,” provides a comprehensive guide to contrapuntal techniques and their application in musical composition.