Lesson with devoured_elysium

devoured_elysium is interested in learning counterpoint.

When teaching counterpoint I like to hold to the tradition of studying with the various clefs. Are you comfortable with the Soprano, Treble, Alto, Tenor and Bass Clefs?

Hello

Yes, I think I am.

Be confotable with giving me various exercises whenever you want. Even if I don't already know what you're talking about, I can search for it. I'm reading Fux's book on counterpoint too.

Well, this will force you be sure about the various clefs! ;):P

I'm glad you are reading the Fux counterpoint book. Its an excellent study.

As you may have noticed from studying the Fux, the study of counterpoint is segmented into chapters or "Species". And so, as expected we will start with 1st Species counterpoint.

As you may already know, counterpoint is all about "note against note" creating melody and harmony at the same time. Its like a orchestrating or creating a world of consonances and dissonances. Kind of like a world of balance and counter-balance.

1)In the study of 1st Species we deal ONLY WITH CONSONANCES.

Our harmonic consonances will be the 3rd, 5th, 6th, octave and unison.

The unison, octave and 5th are called "perfect consonaces".

The 3rd and 6th are called "imperfect"

All the other intervals like the 2nd, 4th, 7th are dissonances. But we won't be dealing with them in the 1st Species.

Here are the voice-leading rules when dealing with consonaces.

1) A perfect consonaced may ONLY be approached by contrary or oblique motion.

2) Imperfect intervals may be approached by direct, contrary or oblique.

Makes sense so far?

Yes.

Ok, good.

Here are some additional "rules" for 1st species for you to look over.

- We will be using Modes for the exercises (Dorian, Phrygian, etc.)

- No melodic leaps of a 7th, Augmented 4th, or Major 6th are allowed

- The counterpoint exercises must begin and end on Perfect Consonances.

- When the Cantus Firmus is the lower voice, the next to last measure must have a harmonic interval of a Major 6th between the two voices.

- When the Catus Firmus is the higher voice, the next to last measure must have a harmonic interval of a minor 3rd between the two voices.

- In first species, repetition of a note to create oblique motion may occur occasionally, but the same tone must not be repeated in succession more than once.

- Compound intervals of a 10th is allowed

- Voice crossing is allowed if only to avoid less satisfactory voice leading.

Let me know when you are ready to continue. :)

Sorry for the delay. I have been terribly busy. I will do it as fast as I can(this weekend)

having modem troubles. Should be able to get back on track by next week.

I'm back. Let me know if you are ready to move forward.