This text investigates the structural principles and pedagogical application of sixteenth-century vocal polyphony. R. O. Morris, a noted music theorist and educator, provides a rigorous examination of the contrapuntal methods employed by composers such as Palestrina. The work serves as a systematic guide for students and composers to master the stylistic constraints and harmonic logic of the period.

Musicologists and composition instructors frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding strict counterpoint. Readers often note the clarity of the prose and the logical progression of the exercises provided throughout the volume.