Contrapuntal motion - Wikipedia

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contrapuntal_motion

Contrapuntal motion
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In music theory, contrapuntal motion is the general movement of two melodic lines with respect
to each other. In traditional four-part harmony, it is important that lines maintain their
independence, an effect which can be achieved by the judicious use of the four types of
contrapuntal motion: parallel motion, similar motion, contrary motion, and oblique motion.
[1][2] See also melodic motion.

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Parallel motion
Similar motion
Contrary motion
Oblique motion
See also
References

Parallel motion
Parallel motion is motion in the same direction, keeping the same interval between them. For
example Play :

Parallel motion at an interval of a perfect fifth is known as parallel or consecutive fifths, and at an
interval of an octave is known as parallel or consecutive octaves. These motions are generally
avoided in traditional counterpoint because they offer the lines so little independence from each
other.

Similar motion
Similar motion is motion in the same direction, but with the interval between them changing. In
other words, both lines move up, or both lines move down, but the interval between them is
different in the first chord and the second chord. For example Play :

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contrapuntal_motion

An important example of similar motion is in horn fifths.

Contrary motion
Contrary motion is motion in opposite directions. That is, when one of the lines moves up, the other
line moves down (that is, in inversion). If the voices always move by the same intervals (in
opposite directions) they are said to be in strict contrary motion.
The following example shows two voices in contrary motion

Play :

Contrary motion is important to maintain independence of melodic movement in contrapuntal

writing.

Oblique motion
Oblique motion is motion of one melodic line while the other remains at the same pitch. For
example Play :

If extended for enough time, the note that stays on the same pitch can be called a drone.
Similar and oblique motion provide less independence than contrary motion, but more than parallel
motion.

See also
Counterpoint
Voice leading

References

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contrapuntal_motion

1. Dan Gutwein, "The Basics of Four-Part Chorale Style (http://www.dangutwein.net/courses/theorytxt

/text/4-part.htm)", DanGutwein.net. Retrieved 1 November 2012.
2. Free-Ed.Net Traditional Harmony: Voice Motion (http://www.waybuilder.net/sweethaven/Humanities
/Music/TraditionalHarmony/default.asp?iNum=0102). Retrieved 2011-09-15.

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Categories: Counterpoint Harmony
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