Voice Leading
Describes the linear aspect of musical writing
Voices
Horizontal apsect of voice leading; the individual melodic lines that make up a composition interact to create harmony
Chords
Vertical aspect of voice leading
Species Counterpoint
An approach to counterpoint through the addition of contrapuntal voices given to a melody (cantus firmus)
Five Species
Simple note-against-note counterpoint that progresses to complex counterpoint in 5 stages
Cantus Firmus
A fixed melody, one phrase in length, that terminates in a melodic cadence; serves as the basis for other independent, but related, melodies
Counterpoint
A second voice, created according to specific principles, that accompanies the cantus firmus; for each note in the cantus firmus, it will have one or more notes
First Species Counterpoint
Consists of one note in the counterpoint for each note in the cantus firmus
Second Species Counterpoint
Two tones in the counterpoint for each tone in the cantus firmus
Third Species Counterpoint
Counterpoint that has four tones each tone in the cantus firmus
Fourth Species Counterpoint
Often called syncopation or ligature, consists of tied notes over nearly every bar in the counterpoint, creating a syncopated effect with the cantus firmus
Fifth Species Counterpoint
Florid counterpoint, and combines elements of all the other species; introduces rhythmic variety into the counterpoint
Modal Scales
Use of scales (modes) in which the pattern of whole steps and half steps is different from conventional major and minor scales
Final
The beginning tone of a mode
Musica Ficta
Latin for "false music
Nota Cambiata
italian for changed note