Writing Second-Species Counterpoint Flashcards
1
Q
opening statement
A
- the first few notes when we start writing
- we start with unisons, octaves and sometimes the 5th if your writing the upper part
- you can begin with rest with the counter point coming in after the rest to establish the cantus firmus
2
Q
closing statement
A
- the last few notes of our piece
3
Q
closing patterns
A
- the interval and scale degree patterns we use to end our pieces
- consonant skips into the octave are a good way to end a major piece
- when writing in minor you can have 5, 6, octave or a 5, 6, 7 octave or unison to give a good resolution to your piece
- when writing with dim. or aug. dissonance make sure that your moving in stepwise motion with correct preparation and resolution
- you can use two whole notes to end a piece but usually only in stepwise motion to resolve a dissonance into an octave or unison
- you always one to end a piece on the octave or traditionally on the unison
4
Q
writing the middle of your counterpoint has a few rules too
A
- you want to check you writing in three measure segments
- you don’t want to have the line be ascending or descending for more than an octave
- you don’t want to hang around the same note
- you can only have dissonance on the off beat
- you can have leaps of 5th, 6th, or an octave but only on the off beats. this is a good tool to give you space to write in
- you want to make sure you spread out the line have a good amount of dissonance to consonance
- when you have multiple skips keep it under and octave and end it in stepwise motion
- you don’t want to have parallel 5th or octaves
5
Q
pitches cannot be repeated immediately whether in the same measure or over a bar line
A
- true
6
Q
in closing patterns of second-species counterpoint in minor, what scale degrees need to be raised a half-step?
A
- 6 and 7
7
Q
dissonant harmonic intervals are always on the _____ half note. the most common type of dissonance in 2:1 counterpoint is the ______ tone
A
- 2nd; passing
8
Q
is it acceptable to move more than an octave in one direction
A
- no
9
Q
when writing second-species counterpoint, starting with a half-measure rest is preferred
A
- true