#fux

(https://images.app.goo.gl/JrAgFS6weEXB3VnP7)

First species counterpoint is the simplest of all counterpoint. It consists of:

- Two or more voices (Only one for now)

- Notes of the same length

- Only consonances

To make sure we understand these terms, let’s review!

Consonances and Dissonances

There are two types of intervals: Consonant intervals and dissonant intervals. Consonances can be divided up into two sections: Perfect and imperfect. Perfect consonances are completely stable and pure. They consist of unisons, fifths, and octaves.

Imperfect consonances are less stable, but still consonant. They consist of thirds and sixths.

Dissonances are unstable and discordant. They consist of seconds and sevenths.

Fourths are a bit tricky. Sometimes they’re consonant and sometimes they’re dissonant.

Rules

In first species counterpoint, we are only allowed to use unisons, thirds, fifths, sixths, and octaves. We must start and end with a perfect consonance (unison, fifth, or octave). It is recommended that we use imperfect consonances in our counterpoint (except for the first and last note which must be a perfect consonance), though perfect consonances are acceptable.

When one moves into a perfect consonance, we must do so in contrary motion (two voices move in opposite directions).

Oblique motion (one voice moves while the other does not) and especially contrary motion should be employed as often as possible so we can more easily avoid mistakes.

A cantus firmus (A pre-written melody. See picture below) will be given. It will consist of only whole notes. One must write another voice above OR below the cantus firmus on a different staff. The voice you write is the counterpoint.

(It is not required, but it is helpful to label intervals between each voice.)

A cantus firmus written by Johann Joseph Fux in his book “Gradus ad Parnassum”:

(Notes if unreadable: D, F, E, D, G, F, A, G, F, E, D)

Example of counterpoint given by Fux:

(The numbers above the bottom staff are the intervals. The numbers above the top staff are the measure numbers.)

Remember the rules:

- Only consonances are allowed.

- One must begin and end on a perfect consonance (unison, fifth, octave).

- One must try to move as often as possible in contrary motion and oblique motion to make the voices sound independent from each other.

- No augmented or diminished intervals are allowed.

- No jumps greater than a fifth (except for the octave and minor sixth which should only be employed in an upward direction)

- Large jumps should try to be “recovered” so things don’t sound discombobulated (See example).

(The jump of an octave F to another F is “recovered” by “filling in the gap” afterwards.)

If there are any errors or anything I should add, please let me know! Thanks!

Sources:

Fux, Johann Joseph. Gradus ad Parnassum. Translated by Alfred Mann, W. W. Norton & Company, 1965.

“How to Compose 1:1 Counterpoint.” Youtube, uploaded by Jacob Gran, 31 March 2020, https://youtu.be/b5PoTBOj7Xc

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