What Is Counterpoint in Music? Free Lessons

[@andreyutiamco9201]

I love how happy this man is. I hope I'm like that when I grow older.

[@andreyutiamco9201]

***** Definitely. Stress kills. XD

[@ElisandroDeLeon]

why wait?

[@rbrtck]

But inside he is crying, living a life of quiet desperation (reference to Thoreau) like the rest of us. Nah, I'm just kidding, he's doing the job and living the life he loves, and perhaps most importantly for anyone, he chooses to be happy. I'm not saying that the latter alone is sufficient, but it is often the missing element for many people.

[@arthurias7693]

try cocaine

[@episteme666]

you cant tell if a person is happy from merely getting the feel of it.

[@johncrossing]

Piano Lessons by Mark Hamill!

[@DJWISS83]

sir! you made my day! lol

[@KieranSampson]

I was thinking this. Scrolled down to make the comment and you'd beaten me to it. :)

[@jamesonvandusen46]

I was thinking this the whole time! Wonderful lesson, beautiful playing and examples.

[@DarkoP9.13]

Looks and sounds similar. Hahahahaaha

[@splabbity]

Gene Roddenberry

[@NathanaelXavier]

A brilliant way of explaining counterpoint! Up till today, I have always heard that term used everywhere but had NO idea what it meant. Thanks for the video Robert!

[@johndiraimo1444]

However, in early counterpoint the practice of creating a good counterpoint line also followed strick rules. There's reference to the 5 different species of counterpoint... a practice used for helping to shape and understand the options for creating a 2nd melody or counterpoint line. This is what gave Baroque music it's certain sound. In later periods the rules were relaxed a little more thus giving the composer a little more freedom to create the counter melody.

[@arn3107]

​@@johndiraimo1444 ah yes... more complicated stuff... just like how it is with music but hey it also means more possibilities! thanks for sharing!

[@minkahl1644]

same

[@keitharoo1962]

Finally, someone who can explain it to me clearly and simply. Thank you for taking the time to teach us.

[@BobrLovr]

1:46 - looks at invisible sheet music

[@whosaidthat84]

Only he can see it

[@metaviewx2091]

Virtual sheet music

[@peek-a-boo5190]

What if I told you that he *IS* the sheet music himself

[@Hexspa]

@@metaviewx2091 .com

[@southpark5555]

It is cheating for sure. Having a photographic or computer memory built into the brain - is cheating. It's unfair for us 'mere' ....... ok ... as cliche as it sounds ..... mortals.

[@taz-on-the-looseyusef5526]

ive been looking for this wonderful gentleman, everytime im stuck he always lifts me up from the muddy day, he makes me appreciate life because he is full of life, with love from Botswana

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

I am a professional musician and academic, this lesson is superb, a clear and concise definition of counterpoint. Bravo! Mark.

[@DannyWJaco]

Excellent presentation: quick and to the point. So many lessons online bore you with too much background info; and many times the speaker goes on and on with "um", "aaaa", trying to figure out what to say next. None of that here! Thank you...I will experiment with counterpoint in my own playing.

[@moofy7624]

Man... If my childhood piano teacher had half of your talent and enthusiasm, Id have happily learned years ago! Great energy you have, sir! Many thanks for the lesson

[@Rickeeey1]

I see it this way: Every piece of music with that is not monophonic has both counterpoint and harmony to varying degrees. Sometimes there's a kind of balance, other times it's almost entirely harmony (such as melody with chordal accompaniment) and other times it's almost entirely counterpoint (think early medieval counterpoint). In most cases the degrees of counterpoint and harmony varies throughout a composition

[@JesseBFournier]

Indeed, and what you said about counterpoint and harmony can be said about harmony and orchestration. Many musical disciplines can be isolated but all of them, when they are exploited with expression and craftsmanship, tend to merge with another discipline. Melody becomes counterpoint, counterpoint becomes harmony,harmony unlocks forms when we consider temporal application and orchestration in it's detailed instantaneous application, orchestration then, enhances melodic character and perception of form when mere feasibility is overcome.

[@rubenabrams]

Thank you so much for this beautiful explanation. I have played music for the past 65 years of my 72 years of life! (mostly by ear!) but never had an understanding of counterpoint. Thank you very much for the clarification.

[@Zvn1c]

I am only looking up fugues and counterpoints because of a short story called Entropy by Pynchon talks about a fugue. This is the only video that made sense. One of the best ways of explaining what something is, is by explaining what it's NOT. Opening with the Mozart and Chopin part made this so much easier to understand. Nice job.

[@catabol]

This was a perfect explanation. Even though I have absolutely no musical training of any type at all, I clearly understood what counterpoint is. Thank you sir for this excellent video.

[@Meeeeeeeeeeees]

I think the Chopin prelude is composed with counterpoint in mind. The distinction between melody and accompanying is mainly created with the rhythm.

[@XloH911]

I learnt music theory and piano as a kid and teen. I still play, but years later I have forgotten a lot of my theory. I just woke up from a nightmare where i was sitting in a music theory exam and one of the questions was 'what is counterpoint?'. I was so aggravated that i woke up yelling about it and scared the living daylights out of my partner. I had completely forgotten about counterpoint and your video has helped resolve my dilemna. Thank you!

[@arn3107]

haha i can only imagine how funny it would be to be woken up by your partner screaming about not knowing what a counterpoint is

[@moonflow5133]

This guys voice is pure magic. Great teaching and enthusiasm! I'm implementing this into my music.

[@tylerthompson1842]

It takes serious talent to right beautiful counterpoint that works on a musical and mathematical level. It’s the pinnacle of creativity. I always wondered if Composers are able to hear all the parts working simultaneously in their head, or are they mapping it out on the staff? It’s a musical superpower.

[@southpark5555]

It is true. For example ----- the european music has lots of incredible counterpoint ---- and - just noting - with full respect - that for example --- the music of say india has pretty much no counterpoint --- which is just melody with some percussion in the background.

[@amybagnall6097]

This man is such a marvelous teacher!!

[@DadsLife67]

Robert, I've been a lover of classical music since high school. Beethoven's 6th Symphony and Vivaldi's Four Seasons where the two pieces that did it! Thirty years later music theory gives new beauty to the many pieces I've enjoyed for so long. Your ability to explain is greatly appreciated!!

[@HeidiBird]

Thank you! You have just clarified an age-old mystery for me: the reason why I never liked Baroque music, even from a very young age. I always felt it was chaotic and now I know the answer to both of those things: it's because it doesn't have a clear melody to follow. Paradoxically, I feel this will make me appreciate this style of music more in the future, while also getting rid of that irksome feeling of wrong-ness that was always bothering me when listening to it.

[@ZachJames]

By far the best explanation of couterpoint I've ever seen. Thank you so much.

[@smileyfrown4784]

Counterpoint always gets me. I love songs that utilize it

[@CO_Raptor]

Wow... Straight to the point, helpful content, and didn't go overboard for the 10 minutes ad revenue. THANK YOU, YOU JUST GAINED A SUB GOOD SIR!

[@jacobmangombe]

Very short and up to the point explanation, easy to grasp.

[@ticainsell3607]

That is beautifully played Bach, good demonstration!

[@gerardocorrea9559]

I learn something new evertime I watch your videos. Thanks so much.

[@BenjaminHaukaas-l1t]

Thank you! You made it so much easier to understand than my textbook!!

[@laroccacounty1]

This cat is a true talent.

[@suedurrant6798]

Brilliantly explained - thank you for bringing insight to a subject that is so dry when you read about it.

[@ramesh0785]

You are my real teacher.

[@davidll1984]

Thank you very much for the clear explanation.

[@Erikthegreat99]

This man is brilliant, sweet, and a fantastic teacher! I'm so happy that I stumbled upon this video on counterpoint. Made me smile and reminded me of some of the information that I learned during AP music theory. Cheers to awesome educators like this!

[@LivingPianosVideos]

Thanks for the vote of confidence! I am working on more in depth online programs and in a recent poll found many people are interested in music theory.

[@Erikthegreat99]

@@LivingPianosVideos You're very welcome! Looking forward to watching more of your material :)

[@Rupert_Common]

great little lecture! energy is high and engaging and nice piano work. thanks a bunch

[@ChristopherFontes]

Thank you! When Einstein Walked with Gödel brought me here. I stayed because you are a great teacher!

[@RonBilevich]

thank you robert! a really good teacher teaches with lots of heart and passion, and that is you!

[@LivingPianosVideos]

Ron Bilevich Thanks for the kind words

[@tomey9577]

Steve Reich Vermont

[@russellgibson5013]

Wow your brain is filled with great knowledge. You are admired by many Thank you thank you, for this education.

[@alinagoecka1319]

At last a simple and beautiful explanation! Thank you so much!

[@grahamfisher9386]

Thanks Robert, that was a wonderfully clear & well illustrated explanation.

[@Pax30001]

Your playing is Beautiful! Thank you for sharing :)

[@lindamcdermott2205]

Best clearest explanation of counterpoint I have ever heard!

[@Anne-tp7ny]

I am taking an intro to Music class. You made this concept very easy to understand. Thank you

[@IrizarryBrandon]

The excerpt from the Toccata in E Minor was inspiring, it pretty much made the video, thanks!

[@southpark5555]

Robert ----- it always amazes me to see somebody (like you) have memory and accuracy and precision of a machine/computer ----- when playing the piano!!!!! It is hard to imagine how it is possible. But seeing with our eyes - is believing. I also agree with the people here that you do look like Luke Skywalker.

[@allegory6393]

Thank you so much for this. Concise and clear explanation.

[@catherinewilliams1302]

Very happy lecturer, thanks you just made my understanding easy. Straight to the point.

[@BBFPV]

Thank you, I have just learned more than in 6 years of music lessons

[@RamachandranS20]

Thank you. First time I understood what a counterpoint is.

[@danielatoledo5671]

This was a great explanation with beautiful examples. Thank you!

[@jpalvarez4972]

3:20 - It visibly takes Mr. Estrin a couple seconds to disengage genius mode. This was quite the lesson.

[@rustycalvera977]

breathtaking beautiful....and explained so straightforward .....thank you

[@SiUlung]

All in one take. Brilliant!!

[@derik2nicolai584]

A real good musician and teacher.

[@wesleybritzmargaja76]

Concise explanation. Thank you.

[@kanyekubrick5391]

I love your vibrant personality

[@laurens5837]

Love these videos. Thank you so much for sharing! These videos are really helpful in understanding music

[@tomswan2784]

Clear, instructive & cheerful. Thanks for the lesson.

[@erik878]

I've written like 5 pieces this month, the fantasy in g major, and 4 italian dances

[@keithpurtell1213]

After he has explained counterpoint, there is a really interesting bit of piano in the last few seconds. What is that song? Starts at the 4:02 mark?

[@am2472]

Absolutely amazing lesson. Was going to find an hour long video but you covered that in under 5 minutes. Thank you so much. Keep up with the good work you earned a subscriber and a like. :)

[@clintgolub1751]

Wonderful visual explanation Robert, thanks so much for uploading this!

[@justinnoble6506]

You should mention Mozart’s 41st IV. A genius of counterpoint. He learned it because his patron Baron Von Swieten loaned him Bach and Handel scores, which were rare at the time. And if you’ve never heard K.593 finale, also a contrapuntal masterpiece.

[@NoName-uf6rf]

You make me so happy inside I need a picture of you above my keyboard

[@Inhumed]

This is a good video - plain, simple, short. Good job!

[@mattredmond2883]

Thank you so much! This really helped me understand counterpoint better... really beautiful playing as well

[@luckylenny2506]

Great job of explaining, Rob!

[@CinematicLaboratory]

Learned something new today! Thanks!

[@BongieThaYungN]

Nice work!

[@findyourownusername]

Fantastic explanation! Very much appreciated.

[@misscoffeecup]

Excellent class, excellent teacher....

[@obclouds]

I don't get why people could dislike this...

[@Darchyism]

Thank you for such a clear example and explanation

[@rodabergsskolanstudentwork4659]

Darchyism (=

[@michaelwecker6854]

great explained. Short & simple

[@justinschouten6474]

I was shook when he started playing that Mozart piece on the piano But I like the way he explained counterpoint so enthusiastically; I love to see that experienced, passionate, old man talking about classical music Thank you very much for explaining Robert!

[@roisinwalsh8318]

I love Chopin's prelude in Em. Your videos are great :)

[@danroberts9050]

All great music choices but I have to say, the Bach with the counterpoint was beautiful.

[@shadesofricoeur4207]

great explanation, easy to follow, concise

[@tallswede80]

this is the most superior form of music

[@eman83184]

Thanks a lot, Robert! :) You really explained it well, and with great demonstrations. I'll come back to your page whenever I have a question about music theory.

[@G138ccw]

Your Chopin song helped me in my Aural Test

[@robertbogomolec8763]

Thanks man, I'm learning this stuff from a book so I really needed to hear a good example of harmony and counterpoint. It's all clear now! ;)

[@ashleypackard-haas5227]

Omg this was incredibly helpful. . . the teacher's energy is just amazing.

[@LivingPianosVideos]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Manhsterz]

Very short and clear explanation ! Thank you sir

[@Alwpiano]

Before knowing the term "counterpoint" or "contrapuntal," I used to call it "weaving in and out" or "entwined". Now I see why I find Toccata and Fugue tricky.

[@LivingPianosVideos]

Fugues can be very tricky! livingpianos.com/what-is-a-fugue-bach-toccata-in-e-minor/

[@DamianReloaded]

Great example. I don't think I'll forget exactly what counterpoint means anymore. Intertwining melodies. Thanks! ^_^

[@Madison-ut6bz]

do you have the sheet music for the song @2:37 you said it was the E Minor Toccata second movement by Bach but i can't really find that online

[@thereisnoself]

Very informative. Thanks Robert!

[@heathstjohn6775]

Thanks. Very clear. Wish I could play. Best.

[@Taeronai]

This was indeed a wonderful video. Thank you!

[@Lieutenant_Dude]

Counterpoint is the ultimate test for how well you’ve disconnected your hands from each other.

[@rpmhomeschoolingparents1613]

Excellent! Thank you for such a great explanation (as someone else said, clear and simple). You made that fun to learn!

[@vigokovacic3488]

This is the first video I've seen from you, and literally the second I saw you, I knew you would be likable! :D YOu seem like a REALLY nice guy! :D

[@ihsahnakerfeldt9280]

Wonderfully explained

[@robindgordon]

Dude, awesome lesson. Great work. keep it up please.

[@ondrasheq21]

Very important concept in visual arts as well :)

[@TomGoldsmithguitar]

So counterpoint is interwoven melodies as a pose to harmony over melody?

[@folktronic]

Great lesson - thanks Robert!

[@LivingPianosVideos]

Glad you liked it!

[@kasrakhavarinejad1476]

Thanks for the helpful content 👍

[@bbossin]

Loved the video! Also loved when you looked up from the keyboard at the sheet music that wasn't there (I assume it is in your mind). Liked and subscribed.

[@slowjamcdub]

True love is the souls recognition of its counterpoint another.

[@bezziano57]

Brilliant lesson. Thanks 👍🏻