contrapuntal

adjective

con·​tra·​pun·​tal ˌkän-trə-ˈpən-tᵊl 

1

: polyphonic

2

: of, relating to, or marked by counterpoint

contrapuntally

ˌkän-trə-ˈpən-tᵊl-ē 

adverb

Examples of contrapuntal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Devoted to the contrapuntal wonders of Bach, the classicism of Mozart and the astonishment of Beethoven, Schoenberg began his career by mending the major divide of his own early years, that of Wagner the futurist and Brahms the keeper of tradition. —Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024

Some of the choral lines have a solemn contrapuntal richness that harks back to the Baroque. —Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2024

Her work, which has grown in acuity and emotional power, combines the complications of German and Soviet history with the lives of her characters, including those of her own family members, whose experiences echo with the past like contrapuntal music. —Steven Erlanger, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2024

With its emphasis on virtuosity and advanced harmonies and contrapuntal rhythms, be-bop required the utmost skill and dedication. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian contrappunto counterpoint, from Medieval Latin contrapunctus — more at counterpoint entry 1

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 1