Use the links below to jump to collections of representative counterpoint examples from each style period or genre.
16th & 17th Century Examples
Commonly referred to as “Modal Counterpoint,” these examples were written between 1500-1700. Works by Palestrina, de Lassus, Frescobaldi, Purcell, Corelli, and others are included.
18th & 19th Century Examples
This era spans the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods. J. S. Bach wrote an incredible amount of contrapuntal music in the early 1700’s. In general, the texture of concert music in the 1800’s became more homophonic, but Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms exhibited mastery of contrapuntal techniques.
20th Century Concert Examples
There was a significant swing of the pendulum back to more linear music in the 1900’s, along with more dissonance and experimentation. Bartok, Hindemith, Stravinsky, Schoenberg, and many other composers wrote in an updated contrapuntal style.
20th & 21st Century Minimalist Examples
One of the styles that evolved after the 12-tone, dissonant, academic counterpoint of the early and middle 20th century was Minimalism. It was pioneered by LaMont Young, Terry Riley, Steve Reich, and Philip Glass. They embraced repetitive, rhythmic music with layers of independent lines and a high degree of stasis. Many notable composers expanded Minimalist concepts, including John C. Adams and Louis Andriessen.
20th & 21st Century Popular Examples
All types of American music, including Blues, Jazz, and Popular styles exhibit contrapuntal features. Rhythm and Blues, Rock and Roll, Rap, Hip-hop, and mainstream pop are represented in this collection.