released 10/11/2024

In this essay, John Ahern explains the beauty and order of counterpoint, the accumulation of multiple melodies that come together in a harmonious whole. Prior to the 17th century, the word harmony referred to the “pleasing opposition” of two lines of melody playing against each other, but in a beautiful dance of equals. In modern times, however, harmony now refers to a dominant melodic line paired with a subordinate accompanying line. Ahern explains how contrapuntal order embodies the principle of unity in diversity. In counterpoint, as in life, the drama and beauty occurs as each melodic line finds its fulfillment in relation to the other and a whole greater than its parts is born.

This essay was originally published in First Things (April 2020) and is read by Ken Myers. More of John Ahern’s writing may be found at Ad Fontes, a publication of the Davenant Institute.

20 minutes

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