Counterpoint technique in which the interval direction is changed. Any ascending interval becomes a descending interval and vice versa. An example from Bach's Invention BWV 772.

This motive:

ejemplo

Is transformed by inversion:

ejemplo

intervals in
original motive
2nd
ascending
2nd
ascending
2nd
ascending
3rd
descending
2nd
ascending
3rd
descending
intervals in
inverted motive
2nd
descending
2nd
descending
2nd
descending
3rd
ascending
2nd
descending
3rd
ascending

It looks like a reflection in a mirror. This is why it is sometimes called mirror inversion:

ejemplo

The Quarendo invenietis canon from Bach's Musical Offering is an example of a canon by inversion or contrary motion:

canon

See:




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José Rodríguez Alvira.