Dr. B Music Theory - Ask Dr. B About Music Theory, Episode 1 (Species Counterpoint)

TOPICS 0:00 - Subscriber questions and 1st Species: Note Against Note 2:10 - Fux, "Gradus Ad Parnnasum" https://www.amazon.com/Study-Counterpoint-Johann-Joseph-Parnassum/dp/0393002772 http://imslp.org/wiki/Gradus_ad_Parnassum_(Fux%2C_Johann_Joseph) THE RULES 3:44 - only consonances employed (perfect vs. imperfect) 4:26 - use more imperfect than perfect consonances 4:45 - must begin with perfect consonance (cantus firmus in the lower part = unison, P5, octave) 5:00 - no unison except possibly at beginning and end 5:23 - interval in the penultimate measure (with cantus firmus in the lower part) = major sixth 6:25 - melodic movement a. no augmented, diminished, or chromatic intervals b. no outlining of tritone even when reached by step c. no leaps larger than a 5th (except octave and ascending m6) d. may not repeat tone more than once and only occasionally e. skips of more a 4th or more musical step back f. no skip into unison or octave 12:30 - voice crossing allowed for voice leading purposes 12:48 - Motion (direct, contrary, oblique) WRITING SPECIES COUNTERPOINT 14:22 - writing the counterpoint 24:52 - EXAMPLE: cantus firmus and counterpoint played on piano Please subscribe, like, and share! To ask a question, leave a comment. I can't answer them all, but I do read them all. Visit www.christopherbrellochs.com to subcribe to my e-newsletter, listen to music and more!