Topmusicanswers
Species counterpoint involves the addition of a melody above or below a given melody. The added melody (the counterpoint) becomes increasingly complex and interesting in each of the five species. The given melody is called cantus firmus, which means “firm” or “unalterable melody”.
- What is an example of counterpoint?
- What are the 4 kinds of motion in 1st species counterpoint?
- What are the two most common types of counterpoint?
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".
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 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.
