Counterpoint technique in which the interval direction is changed. Each ascending interval becomes a descending interval and vice versa. An example from Bach's BWV 772 Invention. This motive:

ejemplo

Is transformed by inversion:

ejemplo

intervals in
original motive
2nd
ascending
2nd
ascending
2nd
ascending
3rd
descending
2nd
ascending
3rd
descending
intervals in
inverted motive
2nd
descending
2nd
descending
2nd
descending
3rd
ascending
2nd
descending
3rd
ascending

They look like reflection on a mirror. For that reason it is sometimes called mirror inversion:

ejemplo

The Quarendo invenietis canon from Bach's Musical Offering is an example of a canon by inversion or contrary motion:

canon

See:




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José Rodríguez Alvira.