part-writing

This is part-writing therapy, part-rant.

The elaboration of the part-writing is dauntingly complex and can sound unvaried, but the incomplete chant-based Matthew Passion by Richard Davy makes a strong centrepiece, while for sheer contrapuntal virtuosity you cannot beat the oddest piece, the final 13-part canon by Robert Wylkynson.

If you don't care for the fugal passages and part-writing in the Graner Mass or in the organ music, then there is nothing more to be said.

The part-writing is always graceful, and often very ingenious, the inner parts melodious and interesting, and the whole effective.

This duet is full of clever bits of imitation and good contrapuntal part-writing, and is melodious as well.