2-Part Invention in 3 Parts, HC 754

Henry Cowell

ModernSpecialistinvention~3 min
H4
Henle (estimated)
RCM 7ABRSM 6

About this piece

Henry Cowell's work recontextualizes the Baroque invention form through the lens of 20th-century harmonic dissonance and polyphonic layering. It is a highly cerebral piece that demands rhythmic precision.

Teacher notes

Focus on the independent articulation of the individual voices to ensure the contrapuntal lines remain distinct.

Technical focus

counterpointleft-hand-independencepolyrhythm

Mood

intellectualmysterious

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to 2-Part Invention in 3 Parts, HC 754

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Frequently asked questions

How hard is 2-Part Invention in 3 Parts, HC 754 by Henry Cowell?

2-Part Invention in 3 Parts, HC 754 is rated Henle level 4 of 9 — intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 5–6. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 7.

What level do I need to play 2-Part Invention in 3 Parts, HC 754?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 4 — meaning you can already play level 3–4 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.

How long is 2-Part Invention in 3 Parts, HC 754?

A typical performance of 2-Part Invention in 3 Parts, HC 754 lasts about 3 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for 2-Part Invention in 3 Parts, HC 754?

2-Part Invention in 3 Parts, HC 754 is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to 2-Part Invention in 3 Parts, HC 754?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Basso Ostinato, VL 267 by Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, Capriccio di obligo di cantare la quinta parte senza toccarla by Girolamo Frescobaldi, Bhavapriya Prelude and Fugur by Carlotta Ferrari — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.