Hidden octaves

So-called hidden consecutives, also called direct or covered octaves or fifths, occur when two independent parts approach a single perfect fifth or octave by similar motion instead of oblique or contrary motion. A single fifth or octave approached this way is sometimes called an exposed fifth or exposed octave.

1. What is a hidden fifth or octave?
2. What are hidden parallel octaves?
3. What are bare octaves?
4. What are consecutive octaves?

What is a hidden fifth or octave?

Hidden fifths (hidden octaves are the same idea, but with octaves) is when two voices move in similar motion into a fifth in the next chord. This isn't the same as parallel fifths, where they move together from one fifth to another.

What are hidden parallel octaves?

A hidden fifth occurs when an implied consonant passing note would create a parallel fifth. A hidden octave occurs when an implied consonant passing note would create a parallel octave.

What are bare octaves?

The intervals of a fifth and an octave create a distinctive 'bare' sound. If they are written in parallel attention is drawn to this bareness, even if there are other voices in the texture.

What are consecutive octaves?

When there are perfect 5ths in the same two parts one after the other, we call them “consecutive 5ths”. Now the perfect 5th in the second chord is between the alto and tenor parts – the 5ths are no longer consecutive, because they are in different parts.