Is counterpoint still used today?

It is still used, but not the way Bach used it. Bach used to compose the different voices to be harmonically interdependent but rhythmically independent. After a certain point (later 19th-early 20th century) the composers took counterpoint in a different direction.

1. Why do we use counterpoint?
2. What are the two most common types of counterpoint?
3. What is an example of counterpoint?
4. Is counterpoint the same as polyphony?

Why do we use counterpoint?

Counterpoint is the mediation of two or more musical lines into a meaningful and pleasing whole. In first-species counterpoint, we not only write a smooth melody that has its own integrity of shape, variety, and goal-directed motion, but we also write a second melody that contains these traits.

What are the two most common types of counterpoint?

The first species is note-against-note counterpoint. The second species is two notes against one in the cantus firmus. The third species is four notes against one in the cantus firmus.

What is an example of counterpoint?

For example, "Frère Jacques" and "Three Blind Mice" combine euphoniously when sung together. A number of popular songs that share the same chord progression can also be sung together as counterpoint. A well-known pair of examples is "My Way" combined with "Life on Mars".

Is counterpoint the same as polyphony?

The word counterpoint is frequently used interchangeably with polyphony. This is not properly correct, since polyphony refers generally to music consisting of two or more distinct melodic lines while counterpoint refers to the compositional technique involved in the handling of these melodic lines.