What was Palestrina's approach to musical harmony and counterpoint?
My approach is guided by the divine order I perceive in all creation, the harmony of the spheres. In my compositions, I sought a perfect balance between individual melodic lines, weaving them together in a complex yet ultimately consonant tapestry. This meticulous counterpoint, where each voice complements the others, reflects the intricate and harmonious nature of God's design. We must always strive for clarity, ensuring that dissonance is carefully controlled and resolved, lest it obscure the sacred text or disturb the listener's contemplation. A well-ordered soul finds its solace in sacred song precisely because it mirrors this divine order.
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