counterpoint - lesson 4: two parts, 2nd species

When I found out that there isn't anything about counterpoint on youtube, I thought it would have been nice to upload an INTRODUCTION TO THE ART OF COUNTERPOINT. It wasn't prepared, so it's a bit slow and there are a few mistakes here and there, but if you are interested in approaching counterpoint these videos will help you a lot. Unfortunately in some of the videos I had problems recording my computer screen, so the audio is a bit late. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the lessons!
Lesson 4: two parts, second species

Category:

Education

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• music
• musica
• the
• art
• of
• counterpoint
• contrappunto
• harmony
• armonia
• composition
• technique
• composizione
• musical
• analysis
• analisi
• musicale
• second
• species
• lezione
• lesson
• instructional
• tutorial

[pyrosplodeyflames]

No. A passing note is any note that is approached and left by step in the same direction.

[Thisaintjonas]

In the videos you used contrary motion most of the time.Is there use of any similar or oblique motion ?How to use the oblique motion,does the cantus firmus stays the same in oblique while counterpoint changes?

[DCSCHNERR]

This is not only very good and insightful teaching, but interesting too. There are almost no books that teach 'ground up' composing. They just show countless examples of useless passages that confuse the issue more than teach the subject. Keep this up! Your English is very good.

[M3sslah]

You do 4th down and 4th up so you are actually using the forbidden tritonus there? It can be used for effect but it sounds very much like our ambulance sound here in Sweden.

[MatsEP]

I love your pronunciation of "cadenza", it sounds so... correct.

[artofcounterpoint]

@Mahlercougar Thanks! Strong and weak beats are determining factors. What we have in this exemple are not real parallel fifths, but fifths on the same beat of consecutive measures. If this would occur on the strong beat of the measures it would be considered a mistake, but having them on the weak beat hides them in some way (that's why some theorists allow them in particular contexts). Anyway in two parts counterpoint this should be avoided.

[Mahlercougar]

@artofcounterpoint Thanks a bunch.No worries :) I had forgotten about the fact that the "weak" and strong beats was a determining factor in this. I look forward to seeing the rest of your series

[Mahlercougar]

You are great for sharing the lessons! Thank you so much. :)

1 Question:

In Measure 5-6 you have a D in the (cantus firmus) going to the "E" in measure 6.

For the counterpoint on top you end both measures on a 5th which outlines parallel 5ths, Isnt this not allowed in 2nd species?(Im trying to remember my lessons from school)

in the counterpoint, could you have used this in meas 5-6?:(F,A),(G,C) and the C can tie over or repeat to end the cadenza.

Thanks again! :)

[studiomikeK0921042]

great video!!! thanks for posting all of them. I learnt a lot watching them. Your english is fine btw don't worry :)

take care!!!