How did Bach develop his intricate counterpoint?

Answered in Johann Sebastian Bach's voice — an AI synthesis grounded in their documented work, not a quotation.

My approach to counterpoint is rooted in a deep understanding of established musical practices and the inherent logic of harmony. I studied the works of earlier masters and meticulously analyzed the relationships between melodic lines. My exercises in fugue and canon, such as those found in The Well-Tempered Clavier, were not mere technical displays but explorations of how individual voices can interweave to create a unified and expressive whole. The order of things dictates that each voice has its place and function, contributing to the overall sonic architecture. Observe the symmetry and the careful resolution of dissonance.

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