Study of Counterpoint: From Johann Joseph Fux's Gradus Ad Parnassum [Paperback]

Johann Joseph Fux (Author), Alfred Mann (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 17, 1965

The most celebrated book on counterpoint is Fux's great theoretical work Gradus ad Parnassum.

Since its appearance in 1725, it has been used by and has directly influenced the work of many of the greatest composers. J. S. Bach held it in high esteem, Leopold Mozart trained his famous son from its pages, Haydn worked out every lesson with meticulous care, and Beethoven condensed it into an abstract for ready reference.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (June 17, 1965)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393002772
• ISBN-13: 978-0393002775
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #17,798 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #46 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Songbooks

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a classic for good reason....., May 4, 2007

By 

Patrick D. Goonan "see profile for URL" (Livermore, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Study of Counterpoint: From Johann Joseph Fux's Gradus Ad Parnassum (Paperback)

This is a great introduction to species counterpoint. It has been in use for many years and was studied by many great composers. It still engages the modern person today because it is concise, imaginative and teaches concepts in a digestible and easy to follow manner.

The form of the book is a relationship between a teacher and student. The student is not the brightest bulb on the tree, but the teacher shows him concept by concept how counterpoint works. This story format is entertaining, but also serves as a way to anchor concepts.

If you are looking for something that is a quick, easy read with lots of good content and historical interest, you will enjoy this. I feel it is a must have for any serious student of music.

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolute Foundation of Tonal Music, July 15, 2004

By 

Christopher Schlegel (McKenzie, TN United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Study of Counterpoint: From Johann Joseph Fux's Gradus Ad Parnassum (Paperback)

This is an indispensable work for anyone with a serious interest in musical composition. It lays out the entire foundation of tonal composition (i.e.: counterpoint) in a lucid, organized systematic manner.
The serious student of musical composition should have this book, work through it not once but regularly. I re-read it constantly and work through all the exercises again once or twice a year.
It should also be used in conjunction with "Structural Hearing Tonal Coherence in Music" by Felix Salzer (Schenker's protégé).

35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Useful, accessible, and [surprisingly] entertaining, January 12, 2004

By 

J. Mercik (Hartford, CT United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Study of Counterpoint: From Johann Joseph Fux's Gradus Ad Parnassum (Paperback)

The book has a nice pace. It is not a fat book. Content is presented succinctly. The platonic-type dialog is as charming as it is civilized and effective. There is something inspirational about reading a treatise previously studied by people like Bach, Haydn, Mozart, etc. I would say that even the most anti-traditional composer-person might benefit from the straightforward analytic of it all, even if one's harmonic sensibility differs from those presented in this text. All in all, a book to check out, if counterpoint intrigues you.