Topmusicanswers
- What is the purpose of counterpoint?
- What are the rules for counterpoint?
- Why are there rules in music?
- How is counterpoint used in polyphonic composition?
What is the purpose of counterpoint?
The main purpose of counterpoint is to have two separate but equal melodies playing simultaneously. Separate means they they peak and valley in different places and that they move at different times.
What are the rules for counterpoint?
The counterpoint must begin and end on a perfect consonance. Contrary motion should dominate. Perfect consonances must be approached by oblique or contrary motion. Imperfect consonances may be approached by any type of motion.
Why are there rules in music?
But rules can be broken, so there is a degree of artistic freedom. The rules help to construct a melody or a song, but sometimes it is useful to break the rules to create something unique.
How is counterpoint used in polyphonic composition?
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.
