Classical Counterpoint

Question 1

Monophony

Answer 1

A solo melody. A single line of music

Question 2

Homophony

Answer 2

A harmonized melody. A melody with chords

Question 3

Polyphony

Answer 3

More than one melody happening at the same time.

Poly - Many
Phony - Voice

Question 4

What is counterpoint

Answer 4

2 or more melodic lines working together to create music

Question 5

What does consonance refer to

Answer 5

Greater and lesser degrees of relaxation

Question 6

What does dissonance refer to

Answer 6

Increases and decreases in tension

Question 7

What is Species Counterpoint

Answer 7

Species Counterpoint identifies the voices rhythmic relation to one another.

It defines how to use consonance and dissonance.

Question 8

Species 1 Counterpoint

Answer 8

The bass and Treble voices use the same note durations. A ratio of 1:1

Question 9

Species 2 Counterpoint

Answer 9

One Voice has 2 or 3 notes for each single note in the other voice
A ratio of 2:1 or 3:1

Question 10

Species 3 Counterpoint

Answer 10

One voice has 4 notes for each single note in the other voice.
A ratio of 4:1

Question 11

Species 5 counterpoint

Answer 11

A mixture of all species. Also called florid counterpoint.

Question 12

What are the 2 groups of non chord tones.

Answer 12

Notes that are prepared and resolved by step

Notes that prepared and resolved by leap

Question 13

Where are consonant notes nearly always placed.

Answer 13

On a strong beat.

Question 14

What is a grouping of notes (CT-NCT-CT) called

Answer 14

A figure

Question 15

What modern chord tones are considered dissonance in baroque music

Answer 15

7th, 9th, 11ths, 13ths

Question 16

What intervals are avoided when moving by leap

Answer 16

7ths and augmented intervals

Question 17

What must happen after a leap larger than a 4th?

Answer 17

The melody must immediately change direction.

Question 18

When writing counterpoint what is the original melody line referred to as.

Answer 18

Cantus Firmus

Question 19

Define Punctus Contra Puntum

Answer 19

counterpoint

Question 20

What are the loose origins of counterpoint

Answer 20

Composers would be hired by the wealthy to write contrapuntal lines against familiar melodies

Usually the music was used for celebrations such as weddings, birthdays etc.

Question 21

Ratio Rules

Answer 21

1. Ratios do not account for rests. A rest is considered a silent “note”
2. A Syncopation ia when notes are tied over the beat OR a stronger portion of the beat. Articulations occur on the off beat.
3. Intervals are identified in their simplest forms except 9ths.

Question 22

What makes counterpoint effective?

Answer 22

Strong melodic lines 2 w/ independent rhythms.

These pitches and rhythms must also work well together

Question 23

Contrary Motion

Answer 23

Two notes moving different intervals in opposite directions

Question 24

Parallel motion

Answer 24

Two notes moving the same direction and intervals

Question 25

Oblique Motion

Answer 25

One voice moves, the other voices stays stationary

Question 26

When does syncopation occur

Answer 26

Syncopation occurs when one voice articulates on the weaker beat or weaker portion of the beat while the other voices note occurs on the beat

Question 27

Hierarchy of note groups

Answer 27

Several notes - Motive
Several motives - Measure
Several measures - Melodic gesture or Phrase
Several phrases make a piece of music

Question 28

Perfect Authentic Cadence

Answer 28

Dominant to tonic movement with the tonic scale degree in the treble. and both chords in root position

Question 29

Imperfect authentic cadence

Answer 29

Dominant to Tonic chords with :
3rd or 5th may be in the treble of the tonic chord
Either chord can be voided with the 3rd in the bass
Leading tone can be substituted for dominant