Style copy (music)

In the musical field, the term style copy means the effort to imitate a musical era or a single composer as authentically as possible. In contrast to plagiarism or parody , the term style copy expresses a certain neutrality, if not an appreciation of the original.

The style copy is mainly used for exercises in music studies , for composition and for improvisation . A style copy therefore rarely enjoys the reputation of a 'correct' composition, also because of the subjectively lower level of creation. Occasionally, the style copy is also used as a dramaturgical means in music theater , musicals and film music.

Another, but rarer, definition of the term 'style copy' can also be found in organ building , where it is used as a term for an organ designed according to a historical model .