Cap 4 - Two-Voice Exercises, 1: 1, 2: 1

Question 1

Description of Spicies Counterpoint Excercises:

Answer 1

In counterpoint exercises, one voice is usually given. This is known as the cantus firmus (fixed voice), and that term is commonly abbreviated to “C.F.” The position of the C.F. as upper or lower voice (in two-voice exercises) is often specified.

When the C.F. is counterpointed with one note in the added voice against each note ofthe C.F., the result is called “first species” Counterpoint. This species can conveniently be designated by the ratio 1 : 1, said as “one against one.”

Question 2

The various species traditionally used in counterpoint study are as follows:

Answer 2

-First species: I : I
-Second species: 2: I and 3: I
-Third species: 4: 1 and 6: I
-Fourth species: Syncopated
-Fifth species: Florid (a combination of the other four species)

Question 3

NOTE AGAINST NOTE (1: 1)
CHARACTERISTICS

Answer 3

1-Es rara vez usado por mucho tiempo debido a que carece de independencia rítmica entre las voces (un requisito fundamental para el buen contrapunto)

2-As a general rule, an interval should be used no more than three or four times in succession.

3-The same pitch should not be used twice in succession. This would, in effect, give the note double value and would alter the intended rhythmic ratio betwcen the voices.

4-In most cases, the voices should not be more than two octaves apart. Gaps of greater distances may occur briefly now and then. For the time being, the
voices should not cross.

5-The bottom voice should be considcred a bass–that is the Equivalent of lhe boltom voíce in an actual harmonization. Remember, however, that “bass” does not ncccssarily mean “root”; notes in the lower voice will often be the third of the ímplied harmony, occasionally the fifth or the seventh.

Question 4

NOTE AGAINST NOTE (1: 1)
INTERVALS

Answer 4

1-Only essential intervals are to be used in 1 : 1 exercises. Of these, the 6th, the 3rd, and the octave should appear with greatest frequency.

2-The octave should be employed chiefly on the tonic note at beginnings and endings; it may also occur on the dominant note or, rarely, on another note (the leading tone excepted) if voice leading makes its use logical- In such cases it is generally in a weak rhythmic position.

3-The perfect 5th may be used occasionally, preferably surrounded by 3rds or 6ths.

Question 5

TWO NOTES AGAINST ONE (2: 1)

Answer 5

TWO NOTES AGAINST ONE (2: 1) involve putting two notes in thc added voice against each note of the C.F.

Question 6

TWO NOTES AGAINST ONE (2: 1)
Nonharmonic Tones

Answer 6

Thc chief new feature that will be encountered in 2: 1 exercises is the possibility of using nonharmonic tones and the unessential intervals they create.