Counterpoint manuals have long been central to the music education of composers, historians, and theorists. In this book a conductor uses counterpoint exercises to aid musicians in becoming sensitive to the fundamental ingredients of good music making.

This volume explores the expressive power of sixteenth-century vocal polyphony, giving special emphasis to the development of aural familiarity with the style. Every element of sixteenth-century counterpoint is defined, described, and liberally illustrated, included for analysis and singing are complete compositions and movements by Palestrina, Lasso, Victoria, Byrd, Morales, and Joaquin.