All Flashcards
What is the rhythmic relationship in first species counterpoint?
One note in the counterpoint for every one in the cantus firmus.
What motion is preferred when approaching perfect consonances?
Contrary or oblique motion is preferred.
What intervals should be avoided in counterpoint?
Avoid the tritone and intervals larger than a tenth between voices.
Describe first species counterpoint.
The simplest, using only whole notes. All notes sound together on strong beats.
Describe second species counterpoint.
Two notes in the top line for every one in the cantus firmus. Consonances on strong beats, dissonances on weak beats.
Describe third species counterpoint.
Four notes in the top line for every one in the cantus firmus. Introduces melodic embellishments and non-chord tones.
Describe the voice-leading rule regarding leaps.
Follow a skip in one direction with a step in the opposite direction.
What is a general rule regarding voice balance?
No voice should dominate; each should stand on its own.
What is a general rule regarding voice clarity?
Voices should be distinct, and the structure should be easy to follow.
What is a general rule regarding voice contrast?
Voices should be varied and interesting.
What is monophony?
A single melodic line with no harmony or accompaniment.
What is homophony?
One main melody with harmonic accompaniment.
What is polyphony?
Multiple independent melodic lines happening at the same time.
Define counterpoint.
A specific type of polyphony focusing on how independent melodic lines interact harmonically.
What is 'cantus firmus'?
A pre-existing melody used as the basis for a contrapuntal composition.
Define 'call and response'.
A musical texture where a soloist is answered by a group.
What is a canon?
A melody is played or sung and then layered on top of itself, displaced by time.
What is musical texture?
How many musical lines are happening at once and how they interact.
What is first species counterpoint?
The simplest form of counterpoint, using only whole notes.
What is second species counterpoint?
Two notes in the top line for every one in the cantus firmus.
What is third species counterpoint?
Four notes in the top line for every one in the cantus firmus.
Describe the structure of a canon.
A melody is imitated by one or more voices after a short delay. The melody may be repeated exactly or with some variations.
How does call and response work?
A soloist (the “caller”) is answered by a group (the “response”).