Percy Goetschius · section 2 of 24

Introduction

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THE most concise definition that may be given of good and correct Polyphony is, that it consists in the HARMONIOUS ASSOCIATION Of

INDIVIDUALLY PERFECT and COÖRDINATE, BUT INDEPENDENT, MELODIES.

Correct polyphonic writing is, therefore, subject to the following three conditions: -

Condition I: PERFECT MELODY;

Condition 2: HARMONIOUS UNION;

Condition 3: INDEPENDENCE OF PARTS;

each of which will be successively treated in the chapters of Division One.

Division one

The fundamental principles of the simple (two-voice) polyphonic style

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