HOSTS- Jeremy Burns, Matthew Scott Phillips
TYPE- Theory
DURATION- 44:22
BUMPER MUSIC- "The Hornet's Nest" (Area 47 Music)
ANNOUNCER- Mike Cunliffe
Continuing our discussion from episode 34-Counterpoint Pt.1, we will now discuss species counterpoint. We have already built our cantus firmus. Now, we will add a voice, using first species counterpoint. We will then take a stab at second species counterpoint. The challenge awaits! Do join us.
1st SPECIES RULES
We want to add a note with the same NOTE VALUE to each note of our
CANTUS FIRMUS.
1. Use only consonant intervals (P5, P8, m3, M3, m6 and M6). No 2nds. No 4ths.
2. P4 is considered a dissonance in 2 part (2 voice) counterpoint.
3. PU is intended for only the BEGINNING and END of each phrase.
It's best to avoid this interval within the body of the phrase.
4. The perfect intervals (PU, P5 and P8) should ONLY be approached by
CONTRARY or OBLIQUE motion. They should NOT involve PARALLEL or
SIMILAR motion.
5. Parallel UNISONS, 5th or 8ths are no good, even when approached by contrary
motion.
6. The one exception is the HORN 5ths. This is when an interval of a 3rd descends
to a P5. Also when a 3rd ascends to a P5.
7. If the top voice moves by step and by similar motion into a perfect interval, with
the top voice leaping, results in DIRECT or HIDDEN intervals. Avoid these!
8. Voices should NOT overlap or cross.
9. Avoid more than 3 parallel 3rds and 6ths in succession.
OUR 1st SPECIES COUNTERPOINT
Below, you will see our original CANTUS FIRMUS, in the lower voice, and our
1ST SPECIES COUNTERPOINT, in the upper voice.
2nd SPECIES RULES
We want to add TWO notes of counterpoint at 1/2 the value, against each note of our CANTUS FIRMUS. In this example, we will assign two 1/4 notes to each
1/2 note. Beat 1 is stressed. Beat 2 is unstressed.
1. The STRESSED note MUST be consonant.
2. The UNSTRESSED note can be consonant or dissonant.
3. The only acceptable dissonance in 2nd species would be that of the
PASSING TONE.
4. A PASSING TONE can be either consonant OR dissonant.
5. The UNSTRESSED note can be a consonant NEIGHBOR NOTE.
6. If the 2nd UNSTRESSED 1/4 note is consonant, it should stay within the triad
implied by the preceding 1/4 note.
7. Avoid parallel 5ths and 8ths between strong beats.
8. A PU is acceptable on a weak beat but NOT on a strong beat.
It's tolerable but not great.
9. Avoid repeated notes in the 2nd species counterpoint.
10. You MAY begin the CP with a rest that is 1/2 the value of the corresponding
notes of the cantus firmus.
11. The LAST TWO notes of the CP, in the CADENCE, may have the same note
value as the corresponding notes of the cantus firmus.
OUR 2nd SPECIES COUNTERPOINT
Below, you will see our original CANTUS FIRMUS, in the lower voice, and our
2ND SPECIES COUNTERPOINT, in the upper voice.
-1st species counterpoint follows the cantus firmus, note for note, rhythmically.
-2nd species counterpoint follows the cantus firmus at a 2:1 ratio. That's 2 notes,
at 1/2 the length, for every 1 note of the cantus firmus.
