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First Species Counterpoint
- The counterpoint must begin and end on an interval of either unison, octave, or fifth, and usually only unison or octave.
- You cannot use unison intervals (the same note in both melodies at the same time) except at the beginning or end.
- Do not move both parts in parallel 4ths, 5ths, or octaves.
- What are the rules of counterpoint?
- What are the 4 kinds of motion in 1st species counterpoint?
- What is a first species counterpoint?
- Which of the following are allowed in strict first species counterpoint?
What are the rules of counterpoint?
Counterpoint Rules
- The interval between the given note and the note in your counter-melody should be consonant (major/minor 3rd or 6th, perfect unison, 5th, or octave, or a compound form).
- If the counter-melody is above the given melody, then the last note of the counter-melody should be in the tonic chord.
What are the 4 kinds of motion in 1st species counterpoint?
We distinguish in species counterpoint between: 'Perfect' Consonances (perfect unisons, fifths, and octave) 'Imperfect' Consonances (major and minor thirds and sixths) Dissonances (all seconds, sevenths, diminished and augmented intervals)
What is a first species counterpoint?
In first species counterpoint, each note in every added part (parts being also referred to as lines or voices) sounds against one note in the cantus firmus. Notes in all parts are sounded simultaneously, and move against each other simultaneously.
Which of the following are allowed in strict first species counterpoint?
Only the following leaps are allowed: 3rds, 4ths, 5ths, ascending minor sixths, and 8ves (review the Rules of Melody with regard to direction changes after leaps). Avoid melodically outlining a tritone by changing directions at two turning points in a melody.
