Chapter 8: Species Counterpoint

Voice Leading

term used to describe the linear aspect of musical writing

Voices

the individual melodic lines that make up a composition and interact to create harmony

Species Counterpoint

an approach to counterpoint through the addition of contrapuntal voices to a given melody called the cantus firmus

Cantus Firmus

fixed melody, one phrase in length, that terminates in a melodic cadence and serves as the basis for other independent, but related, melodies

Counterpoint

a second voice created according to specific principles, that accompanies the cantus firmus

First Species

consists of one note in the counterpoint for each note in the cantus firmus

Second Species

there are two tones in a counterpoint for each tone in the cantus firmus

Third Species

has four tones in the counterpoint for each tone in the cantus firmus

Fourth Species

syncopation or ligature, consists of tied notes over nearly every bar in the counterpoint, creating a syncopated effect with the cantus firmus; many of the tied notes are suspensions

Fifth Species

florid counterpoint, combines elements of all the other species, thus introducing rhythmic variety into the counterpoint

Modal Scales

a system of 8 scales derived from the codification of liturgical chants; they served as the basis of composition until the 16th century

Final

beginning tone of a modal scale

Musica Ficta

raised leading tone

Nota Cambiata

figure occurring primarily in Renaissance music with the interval pattern: a step down, a third down, and a step up