Examples 5a - Introduction to Counterpoint

To begin studying basic counterpoint, we need to establish the fundamental concepts of intervallic consonance, intrevallic dissonance, and the types of contrapuntal motion.

From the following examples, determine:

• which intervals are considered consonant and dissonant
  • which consonances are considered perfect and imperfect
• what elements are necessary to create contrapuntal motion
• a simple way to describe each of the four types of contrapuntal motion: parallel, contrary, static, and oblique

Consonant and dissonant intervals

The next two examples show an example of each possible perfect and imperfect consonance. All other intervals are considered dissonant. Make a list of perfect consonances, imperfect consonances, and dissonances. Do any of the dissonances surprise you? If so, discuss why.

Classifying types of contrapuntal motion