RealMusicTheory

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First-Species Counterpoint

In first-species counterpoint, one note in the counterpoint is written against each note of the cantus firmus — a pure note-against-note texture. Every interval between the two voices must be consonant: thirds, fifths, sixths, octaves, or the unison. The unison, perfect fifth, and octave are "perfect" consonances and demand extra care; they are strong but can easily lead to the forbidden parallel fifths or octaves if the same perfect consonance appears in succession by similar or parallel motion.

The counterpoint should form a singable, stepwise-predominant melody with a clear high point (climax) and generally avoid large leaps. When a leap is necessary, it should ideally be followed by stepwise motion in the opposite direction. The opening and closing intervals carry special weight: the two voices typically begin on a perfect consonance (unison, fifth, or octave) and cadence on a unison or octave, usually approached by contrary stepwise motion. The penultimate interval before a unison or octave cadence is commonly a sixth, so that each voice can move by step to the final.

Avoiding parallel perfect consonances is the most critical rule. Even "hidden" parallels — where both voices move in similar motion into a perfect fifth or octave — are generally forbidden when the upper voice leaps. First species trains the ear to hear vertical intervals at every moment and to manage voice independence, laying the foundation for all subsequent species.

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