Tonal Counterpoint

Attention is particularly called to the fact that very few rules are given as to " what not to do " in music. Almost anything can be done at some time or other (for music is not a matter of morals), when for the sake of special effect a departure is made from the normal rules. What is needed is a well-trained instinct as to whether any given effect justifies itself. In no way is this power gained so surely or quickly as by a thorough study of the compositions of the great masters, Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and others. No one ever becomes a geologist merely by the study of books on the subject but rather by going out into the fields and examining the works of nature at first hand. Likewise in music, example is much better than precept. Very few prohibitive rules will be found in this book, and as far as possible every suggestion and recommendation is confirmed and illustrated by an example from some standard composer.