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contrapuntal Definition

con·tra·pun·tal (kän′trə punt′'l)

adjective

  1. of or characterized by counterpoint
  2. according to the principles of counterpoint

Etymology: It contrappunto (see counterpoint + -al

Related Forms:

contrapuntal Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • texture: All four have a contrapuntal texture, but nos.
  • writing: His improvisational skills made him one of the greatest organists of all time and his mastery of contrapuntal writing has influenced composers ever since.
  • music: This would seriously affect pleno effects in contrapuntal music.
  • line: I was able to watch him composing ( and playing the piano ) and he was certainly then thinking in contrapuntal lines.
  • skill: They all illustrate his lofty, serious ideals of art, as well as his masterly contrapuntal skill.
  • form: Both his Fantasy and Cornet's Fantasia show the influence of Italian contrapuntal forms.

Modifying Another Word

  • very: A madrigal proper is usually very contrapuntal, with much use of imitation. this makes all the voices equally important.
  • even: But even contrapuntal music isn't the be-all and end-all of organ music.