Counterpoint Review

General Rules of Counterpoint

Sets the framework for composing counterpoint, including intervals, motion types, and species characteristics.

Consonant Intervals

Intervals that are generally stable and pleasant, including 8th, 3rd, perfect 5th, and 6th.

Dissonant Intervals

Intervals that create tension and instability, including 2nd, 4th, 7th, and diminished/perfect 5th (augmented 4th).

Species of Counterpoint

Different styles of writing counterpoint, including first, second, third, and fourth species, each with unique rules.

First Species

1-to-1 note counterpoint with only consonant intervals and the possibility of one tie.

Second Species

2-to-1 note counterpoint allowing dissonances approached and left by step, with consonant skips and leaps.

Third Species

4-to-1 note counterpoint primarily using steps with occasional leaps, often ending in unison.

Fourth Species

Uses 1-to-1 notes starting with a half-note rest, with ties across bar lines and structural ties to build dissonances.

Voice Exchange

The movement of notes in a way that allows intervals to be traded, usually involving skips to a third with contrary motion.

Types of Motion

Refers to the direction of notes moving together, including parallel, similar, oblique, and contrary motion.

Cadence

An indication marking the end of a musical phrase or exercise.

Double Neighbor

A pattern where beats 1 and 4 are identical, with dissonant neighbor tones in between.

Allowed Suspensions

Specific dissonant intervals that can be temporarily held before resolving to consonants, with restrictions on repetition.