Suggested Learning Resources
3) Online Reading: WikiPedia Lesson http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contrapuntal_motion
- Counterpoint is the art of two independent melodic lines, performed at
the same time, following established rules and guidelines so that they complement
each other harmonically, but still maintain their independence as separate lines
of music.
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- NOTE: Why are we learning counterpoint? - Some Theory texts do not cover
counterpoint in the Theory 1 scope and sequence. Advanced counterpoint study is often
offered at University as an entire separate one or two semester following Theory
4. We are learning the topic because
- (1) Several texts now do introduce the concept early on
- (2) Studying the characteristics of counterpoint prepares for Soprano Alto Tenor
Bass voice leading, allowing study of several of the elements first with just two
voices instead of four.
- (3) Counterpoint is an important concept for all musicians to at least be aware,
but is often only a required course for composition and/or performance majors. If
not introduced now, it is possible for Music Ed, Music Therapy, and other Music students
to never be introduced to counterpoint.
- (4) The scope of counterpoint we study at this time should be thought of as an introduction
only. You will be able to define what it is, identify the different species, and
gain a glimpse of what is involved.
(Laitz's The Complete Musician covers 1st and 2nd species counterpoint, Francoli's
Harmony in Context covers 1st through 4th species, and Clendinning's The Musician's
Guide covers 1st through 5th. Kostka's Tonal Harmony does not formally introduce
counterpoint).
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- Cantus firmus is a given line to which we write a counterpoint line.
- Cantus firmus usually starts and ends on the tonic (scale degree 1)
- Cantus firmus can appear either as the top or lower voice in a counterpoint
exercise
- During the Baroque era, when people were doing counterpoint exercises,
the cantus firmus was often a sacred or secular melody that was common and recognized
by the people
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- The counterpoint line is the line opposite to the cantus firmus, usually
written by us in a counterpoint exercise
- The counterpoint line can appear either as the top or lower voice in a
counterpoint exercise.
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- If a melody moves primarily by stepwise motion, it is conjunct
- If a melody moves primarily by skip and/or leap, it is disjunct
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- Contrary motion means the two voices move in opposite directions. (Ex.
Top voice moves from C up to D while lower voice moves from G down to E)
- Parallel motion means the two voices move in the same direction, and the
initial and resulting the same interval size, but not necessarily same quality. (Ex.
Lower voice A, Upper voice C [a 3rd] both move in and upward direction resulting
in Lower voice C, Upper voice D [a 3rd])
- Similar motion means the two voices move in the same direction but not
by the same interval size.
- Oblique means one voices moves (up or down) and the other voice stays
on the same pitch.
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https://youtu.be/lMxiVjE2CJE
Objective 10.2: Define counterpoint, cantus firmus, counterpoint line, and other
terms (conjunct, disjunct, Contrary, Similar, Parallel, Oblique) in the context
of counterpoint exercises