What Modular Analysis Can Tell Us About Musical Modeling in the Renaissance
Peter N. Schubert, Marcelle Lessoil-Daelman · Music Theory Online · 2013
Two Kyrie movements by Lassus and Palestrina, both based on a famous chanson by Lupi, are analyzed. Modular analysis, which involves tracking repeating contrapuntal combinations, is applied to the model and to the imitation pieces. It reveals the two composers’ different approaches to their material: Palestrina works from within, increasing contrapuntal density, while Lassus builds long, formally structured spans.