Understanding Chords and Counterpoint in Music

Counterpoint

Focuses on linear interaction and harmonies produced by the interaction of distinct musical lines.

Good Counterpoint Qualities

1) Degree of independence within lines - horizontal consideration; 2) Harmonious relationship between lines - vertical consideration.

Monophony

Music with a single melodic line, such as a bugle solo or a choir singing in unison.

Homophonic Music

Has one clear melodic line with accompanying parts filling in the chords, like choir music with a clear melody.

Ostinato

A repeated short melodic, rhythmic, or harmonic pattern in a composition.

Alberti Bass

An accompaniment figure on a keyboard with arpeggiated chords, commonly used by Haydn, Beethoven, and Mozart.

Walking Bass

A bass accompaniment in Jazz with regular quarter-note movement using scale tones, arpeggios, and passing tones.

Polyphonic Music

Music with more than one independent melody occurring simultaneously.

Imitative Polyphony

Polyphonic music where individual lines are similar in shape and sound.

Chords

Three or more notes grouped together as a unit.

Non-imitative Polyphony

Polyphonic music where voices show little to no resemblance to each other.

Counter Melody

A secondary melody played simultaneously with a more prominent texture.

Heterophony

There is only one melody but different variations of it are being played or sung at the same time. Examples of this style include Bluegrass, Cajun, some Middle Eastern, South Asian, central Eurasian, and Native American music.