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 great composers, including J.S. Bach, Haydn, and Beethoven. Originally written in Latin, this work has been translated in to the principal European languages. The present translation by Alfred Mann is the first faithful rendering in English, presenting the essence of Fux's teachings.

Features a historical survey of writings on the fugue from the Renaissance to the present as well as four 18th-century studies: works by J. J. Fux, F. W. Marpurg, and more. Includes introductions, commentary, and 255 musical examples.

First paperback edition of classic introductory text features history of contrapuntal theory, technical features, "species" exercises in 2-, 3- and 4-part counterpoint; canon, motet, Mass, more. Includes many musical examples.

-- Stanley Persky, City University of New York

An analysis that accounts precisely for the nature of Debussy's musical forms and how forms of different works are related. Geometric systems found here throw new light on Debussy's intense interest in the other arts and provide links with artists he admired in other fields.