MUS 401 - Counterpoint

(3 units) CO14

A study of 18th-century contrapuntal techniques through writing and analyzing two- and three-voice counterpoints, two- and three-part inventions, and three- and four-part fugues. The course will focus on the keyboard works of J. S. Bach, in which tonal counterpoint reached its highest level of sophistication.

Maximum units a student may earn: 3

Prerequisite(s): MUS 302 and MUS 300, or instructor’s permission

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Offered: Every Fall - Even Years

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. analyze and write tonal species counterpoint in 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1 and 5:1 contrapuntal styles employing traditional harmonic practices.
2. analyze the harmonic and formal aspects of the 18th Century invention and fugue.
3. compose an original canon or three voice fugue.
4. draw upon knowledge they gained from the music theory sequence to compose counterpoint.

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