Writing Second-Species Counterpoint

Question 1

opening statement

Answer 1

• 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

Question 2

closing statement

Answer 2

• the last few notes of our piece

Question 3

closing patterns

Answer 3

• 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

Question 4

writing the middle of your counterpoint has a few rules too

Answer 4

• 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

Question 5

pitches cannot be repeated immediately whether in the same measure or over a bar line

Answer 5

• true

Question 6

in closing patterns of second-species counterpoint in minor, what scale degrees need to be raised a half-step?

Answer 6

• 6 and 7

Question 7

dissonant harmonic intervals are always on the _____ half note. the most common type of dissonance in 2:1 counterpoint is the ______ tone

Answer 7

• 2nd; passing

Question 8

is it acceptable to move more than an octave in one direction

Answer 8

• no

Question 9

when writing second-species counterpoint, starting with a half-measure rest is preferred

Answer 9

• true