Counterpoint Flashcards
What are the 4 primary organizing forces of music?
Repetition, Opposition, Language, and Motion
What are the three core values to motion?
Shape toward a climax, Autonomy, and Variety within Unity
What is another word for Autonomy?
Independence
What is a Cantus Firmus?
The given melody
What are the four types of motion?
Contrary, Oblique, Direct/Similar, and Parallel
Which intervals are considered consonances?
Perfect Unison/Octave, Perfect 5th, Maj/Min 3rds & 6ths
Which intervals are considered dissonances?
Maj/Min 2nds & 7ths, Perfect 4ths, All diminished & augmented intervals
Where will the climax be in an upper counterpoint?
The Highest Note
Where will the climax be in a lower counterpoint?
The Lowest Note
Can you repeat the note you used as the climax in your counterpoint?
Nope
How can you approach a perfect interval?
By step in contrary or oblique motion
Which intervals can you start an upper counterpoint on?
Unison, Perfect 5th, or Octave
Which intervals can you start a lower counterpoint on?
Unison or Lower Octave
Other than the beginning or end, where can you have your counterpoint become unison with the cantus firmus?
Nowhere. Unisons can only happen at the beginning and end of a counterpoint
What tone do you need in at least one of the voices in the penultimate measure of your counterpoint?
Hint: This will create a smooth conclusive drive to the tonic
A Leading Tone