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Beethoven and counterpoint

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    Beethoven and counterpoint

    As far as I can tell from the literature, Beethoven rarely spoke about the technical issues of composition (harmony, counterpoint, orchestration and so on ...).

    Reading Alfred Mann, The Study of Fugue, Norton, New York 1965, p. 214, I came across this (from Beethoven's notes on the course of counterpoint studies he followed with Albrechtsberger):
    "Albrechtsberger told me today that there are some works by the old master Froberger in which the use of the fourth, even that occurring by inversion of the triad, is completely avoided [...]."

    I can't tell you if Beethoven ever took this advice to heart, but I will certainly be looking out for any examples of it. Maybe in the Missa?
    Last edited by Quijote; 11-21-2012, 07:17 PM. Reason: Typos and spacing after punctuation

    #2
    Can there be many Beethoven works that don't use 1st or 2nd inversions? Might be illuminating to listen to Froberger!
    'Man know thyself'

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      #3
      Well, in 3 or 4-part (or more ) strict counterpoint that might be a different matter.
      I don't know Froberger at all. You?

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        #4
        Originally posted by Quijote View Post
        Well, in 3 or 4-part (or more ) strict counterpoint that might be a different matter.
        I don't know Froberger at all. You?
        Wasn't Margery Frobesher (alternative spelling) a character in 'To the manor born'? Don't recall her use of counterpoint though!
        'Man know thyself'

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          #5
          Haven't the foggiest what you're talking about, dear boy. See me after class for a good caning.

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            #6
            Originally posted by Quijote View Post
            Haven't the foggiest what you're talking about, dear boy. See me after class for a good caning.
            Sitcom from the '80s with Penelope Keith - but you're right not much to do with Froberger, but my mind's been affected by teaser thinking.
            'Man know thyself'

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              #7
              Originally posted by Peter View Post
              Sitcom from the '80s with Penelope Keith - but you're right not much to do with Froberger, but my mind's been affected by teaser thinking.
              Ah, all is clear now, Blue Baron. Never saw that sitcom, but I do remember having a crush on Penelope Keith! Anyone with the name Penelope just melts my heart ...

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                #8
                And Helen Mirren !!! I've got a weak spot for good-looking, posh women with solid Biblical or ancient Greek names, I fear (e.g. Helen, Penelope, Rachel and, er ... Doreen).

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                  #9
                  Dare I say Beethoven suffered the same?
                  Oops, quick, call the men in white coats ...

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                    #10
                    Dare I mention that I've got one student (quite bright, quite good-looking, but French, therefore not a Brit posh type...) whose name is Marie Vanille ?
                    Imagine that, a woman called Mary Vanilla !!

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                      #11
                      Originally posted by Quijote View Post
                      Anyone with the name Penelope just melts my heart ...
                      Just for you, Phil:
                      Attached Files

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                        #12
                        Back to your original question - found any examples yet?
                        'Man know thyself'

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