J. Anthony AllenComposer, Producer, Music Educator, Entrepreneur

More Reading on Counterpoint: Fux, The Study of Counterpoint

Name: More Reading on Counterpoint: Fux, The Study of Counterpoint
Uploaded: 2025-11-27T16:02:21+00:00
Duration: 1 min 32 s
Channel: J. Anthony Allen
Description: In this brief lecture excerpt, the speaker explains that the extensive set of counterpoint rules taught in music theory originates from Johann Joseph…

27 Nov 2025 · 2 min

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In this brief lecture excerpt, the speaker explains that the extensive set of counterpoint rules taught in music theory originates from Johann Joseph Fux’s 1725 treatise Gradus ad Parnassum (referred to as Gratis ad Parnassum). The work became the standard textbook for composers of the era and remains a cornerstone in contemporary theory education. The speaker notes that the modern English translation, titled The Study of Counterpoint, is the version most commonly used in college courses today. He emphasizes its lasting relevance by mentioning that historic composers such as Bach and Mozart owned copies, and he strongly recommends that students acquire the book as a reference tool.

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So where do all these rules come from? We've talked about tons and tons of rules. We had, like, 40 videos of things you can do and you can't do in counterpoint. This all comes from Johann Joseph Fuchs, Gratis ad Parnassum, which is a treatise he wrote back in 1725. And it was kind of standard reading of every composer at the time. And it still kind of is in many ways. When you're in a college theory class, it is not unlikely that you would have to read this book and have a copy of it to at least use as reference. The book that you would find being used in a theory class now is this book called Study of Counterpoint. This is roughly a translation of Gratis ad Parnassum. I think the Latin Gratis ad Parnassum means like, steps to Parnassum, which I don't know what parnassum is, but we now call it the Study of Counterpoint, Fuchs's Study of Counterpoint. So it's a great book to have on your shelf to use as a reference to go through all of these. Many composers throughout history had a copy on their bookshelf. Bach, Mozart, everybody. So I highly recommend getting a copy of it and using it.