The pieces in this volume will assist in mastering contrapuntal thinking and the technique necessary for playing polyphony. Their compilation is intended for progressive study, each piece being either easy or of intermediate difficulty both technically and with regard to the part-playing. They can act as good preparatory studies for the more complicated and difficult contrapuntal music of Bach-the inventions and fugues. The selections in this book range from the organ works of Diruta at the end of the sixteenth century up to piano pieces by Bartók, providing samples of various types of polyphony. At the same time, the selection provides an introduction to many diverse forms and genres (ricercar, canzona, fugue, canon, verset, invention, etc.). The collection may be used not just by pianists, but by harpsichordists and organists as well. Each section of the book (two-part pieces and pieces with three or more parts) is arranged in chronological order, with the works of each composer presented in order of difficulty. This volume has been edited in accordance with the principles of Urtext editions. 152 pp.
ISBN 0-7866-4557-1