Counterpoint
Students seeking graduate degrees in Music Theory, Organ, Piano, Musicology, and Composition are expected to demonstrate a competency with the basics of 18th century counterpoint (and to a lesser degree the basics of 16th century counterpoint).
Species Counterpoint - Sample Questions
Write a second species (half-notes) to the given cantus firmus. Clicking on the 'Solution' link below will give one of many possible correct answers.
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Write a second species (half-notes) to the given cantus firmus. Clicking on the 'Solution' link below will give one of many possible correct answers.
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Write a third species (quarter-notes) to the given cantus firmus. Clicking on the 'Solution' link below will give one of many possible correct answers.
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Terminology
Be able to define the following terms:
- polyphony
- homophony
- cantus firms
- dissonance
- consonance
- invertible counterpoint
- suspension
- retrograde
- inversion
- augmentation
- diminution
- subject
- answer
- countersubject
- stretto
- double fugue
- canon
- episode
- exposition
- tonal answer
- real answer
Fugues - Sample Questions
In the soprano voice starting on the given note (stem up in measure 2) write a tonal answer to the following alto fugue subject. Continue the alto voice in counterpoint with your answer.
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In the alto voice starting on the given note (stem down in measure 3) write a tonal answer to the following soprano fugue subject. Continue the soprano voice in counterpoint with your answer.
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In the soprano voice starting on the given note (stem up in measure 3) write a real answer to the following alto fugue subject. Continue the alto voice in counterpoint with your answer.
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In the tenor voice starting on the given note (stem up in measure 2) write a real answer to the following bass fugue subject. Continue the bass voice in counterpoint with your answer.
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