Theory Chapter 10

Counterpoint 2-5 (free counterpoint) Music Theory II

Breaking Species

When a composer breaks from the rules of a species (Species 4 turning temporarly into a 2nd Species)

Cambiata

Motion in a melody, typically moving in a step, another step, a skip and then a step in the other direction. With an [apparent] dissonate skip.

Chain of Suspensions

a sequence of suspensions where the resolution of one suspension serves as the preparation for the next (Typically 4-3, 7-6, 2-3 suspensions)

Consonant Leap/Skip

When both notes skip or leap in a Consonant interval

Consonant Suspension

A suspension being held over a bar line, but the “dissonance” is a consonant interval.

Diminution

The unaccented note in a metric accent. Called a diminution because they divide the duration of the originally first species counterpoint beat in half being the “weak beat.”

Double Neighbor

It’s a neighbor embellishment, going in both directions, with the same preparation.

Fifth Species

A counterpoint that may use quarter notes (third species), half notes (second species), notes tied over the bar (fourth species) and, whole notes (first species). It may also include eighth notes, a fifth species embelishment. Also known as Free Counterpoint.

Fourth Species

4:1 counterpoint, with more ability for suspensions, dissonances and rhythmic displacement

Metric Accent

The accent beat, since there are two half notes in a 2:1 counterpoint. The first note is the “accent” while the other is unaccented. Metric Accent refers to the first beat (the strong beat)

Neighbor Tone

A non-chord tone that is approached by a step from a chord tone and then returns to the original chord tone

Passing Tone

A melodic embellishment that fills in a skip by stepwise motion. It is approached and left by a step in the same direction.

Preparation

The constant interval that it held to the resolution.

Resolution

The resolved note of the suspension which is a constant interval

Second Species (2:1)

A half notes against a whole note, including Consonant skips and leaps as well as Neighbor tones.

Suspension

A rhythmic embellishment when a constant pitch is held over to the first beat of the next measure.

Third Species (4:1)

Four quarter notes against a whole note, introducing Cambiatas and Double Neighbor

Suspension Identification

A suspension is named after the dissonate interval and it’s resolution

Common Upper-Voice Suspensions

4-3, 7-6, 9-8 (Usually compressing to a constant interval)

Common Lower-Voice Suspensions

2-3 (Most common) but 9-10 (2-3 plus octave). Lower voice Expands out to the constant interval.

Free Counterpoint

It's another name for the fifth species counterpoint, but it’s not an accurate description. There are still rules for this species, but they more so refer to the freedom to place dissonances anywhere in the bar.

Point of Imitation

Where the counterpoint imitates the cantus, typically in a different octave

Parts of a suspension

Preparation, Suspension, Resolution

Ornamenting

When eighth notes are used in fifth species/free counterpoint. They are approached and left by step. Typically embellishing a suspension.