The technique of Byrd's vocal polyphony / by H.K. Andrews
1966, 1st edition. London ; New York : Oxford University Press. Very good cloth copy in a very good if somewhat edge-nicked and dust-dulled dust-wrapper. Some slight staining to end-papers. Remains quite well-preserved overall. Item #474505
Physical description: xii, 306 pages : music, tables ; 28 cm. Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 289-293). Contents: Introductory. Byrd's environment ; Influences on his style and technique -- The modes and tonality. The 'polyphonic modes' in the sixteenth century ; Byrd's use of the modal system and the signs of the coming change to the diatonic tonal system of chord and key relationships -- The proportional time system, rhythm. The proportional system in the sixteenth century ; The problems of Byrd's use of time signatures ; Byrd's rhythmic technique -- The melodic line. Byrd's melodic line and its rhythmical structure ; Range of the voices -- Vertical interval technique. The interval relationships of the pairs of lines which make up the texture ; Part-writing -- Unessential dissonances. Passing and returning notes -- Unessential dissonances (continued). Description and comparative historical analysis of Byrd's use of ornamental dissonances, approached and/or quitted by leap -- Unessential dissonances (continued). Anticipations, Nota Cambiata figures, other 'changing note' formulae -- Suspended discords. The rhythmic and melodic view ; The harmonic view -- Essential discords. An examination of the evidence for and against the theory of essential discords in Byrd's polyphony -- Contrapuntal techniques. Fugue ; Canon ; Invertible counterpoint ; Other technical devices -- Texture and form. Contrapuntal textures ; Influence of the text on structure -- Word underlaying and word setting. Subjects: Byrd, William 1539 or 1540-1623. Vocal music. Counterpoint History. Vocal music England 16th century History and criticism.
Price: €195.00