JBF_First Species Counterpoint

Question 1

Begin and end

Answer 1

Begin and end on either the unison, octave, or fifth, unless the added part is underneath, in which case begin and end only on unison or octave.

Question 2

Begin and end

Answer 2

Use no unisons except at the beginning or end.

Question 3

Avoid

Answer 3

Avoid parallel fifths or octaves between any two parts; and avoid “hidden” parallel fifths or octaves: that is, movement by similar motion to a perfect fifth or octave, unless one part (sometimes restricted to the higher of the parts) moves by step.

Question 4

Avoid parallel fourths

Answer 4

Avoid moving in parallel fourths. (In practice Palestrina and others frequently allowed themselves such progressions, especially if they do not involve the lowest of the parts.)

Question 5

not use an interval more than three times

Answer 5

Do not use an interval more than three times in a row.

Question 6

not use an interval more than three times

Answer 6

Attempt to use up to three parallel thirds or sixths in a row.

Question 7

keep any two adjacent parts within a tenth of each other

Answer 7

Attempt to keep any two adjacent parts within a tenth of each other, unless an exceptionally pleasing line can be written by moving outside that range.

Question 8

avoid same direction by skip.

Answer 8

Avoid having any two parts move in the same direction by skip.

Question 9

as much contrary motion as possible

Answer 9

Attempt to have as much contrary motion as possible.