counterpoint
Sign in to saveIn music theory, counterpoint is the relationship of two or more simultaneous musical lines (also called voices) that are harmonically dependent on each other, yet independent in rhythm and melodic contour. The term originates from the Latin meaning "point against point", i.e. "note against note".
AI overview
Counterpoint is a musical technique where two or more melodies are played at the same time, each following its own independent rhythm and shape while still blending together harmonically. It matters because it allows composers to create rich, complex textures by weaving multiple melodic lines together in ways that sound unified despite their independence.
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Article
18 sectionsContents
- General principles
- Development
- Examples from the repertoire
- Species counterpoint
- Considerations for all species
- First species
- Second species
- Third species
- Fourth species
- Fifth species (florid counterpoint)
- Contrapuntal derivations
- Free counterpoint
- Linear counterpoint
- Dissonant counterpoint
- See also
- References
- Further reading
- External links
In music theory, counterpoint is the relationship of two or more simultaneous musical lines (also called voices) that are harmonically dependent on each other, yet independent in rhythm and melodic contour. The term originates from the Latin meaning "point against point", i.e. "note against note".
John Rahn describes counterpoint as follows: