This form of music was evolved originally under the
suggestion of the mediaeval vocal polyphony, — counter

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MUSIC IN THE WESTERN CHURCH

point redistributed and systematized in accordance witb
the modem development of rhythm, tonality, and sec-
tional structure. Its birthplace was Italy ; the canzona
of Frescobaldi and his compeers was the parent of the
fugue. The task of developing this Italian germ was
given to the Dutch and Germans. The instrumental
instinct and constructive genius of such men as Swe-
linck, Scheidt, Buxtehude, Frobeiger, and Pachelbel
carried the movement so far as to reveal its full possi-
bilities, and Bach brought these possibilities to complete
realization.
