Reference : inversion or contrary motion
Counterpoint technique in which the interval direction is changed. Any ascending interval becomes a descending interval and vice versa. An example from Bach's Invention BWV 772.
This motive:
Is transformed by inversion:
| 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 |
It looks like a reflection in a mirror. This is why it is sometimes called mirror inversion:
The Quarendo invenietis canon from Bach's Musical Offering is an example of a canon by inversion or contrary motion:
See:
- C > Counterpoint for related topics
- Contrapuntal Compositional Techniques
