The Craft of Tonal Counterpoint

An introduction and workbook for the analysis and composition of tonal counterpoint. Using examples from J.S.Bach, the author takes students through a series of carefully graded, cumulative exercises that stress analysis and writing. The exercises cover a range of formats, including error detection, liner pitch reduction, analysis and composition. 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.