The_Complete_Idiot%27s_Guide_To_Music_Theory
The_Complete_Idiot%27s_Guide_To_Music_Theory
The_Complete_Idiot%27s_Guide_To_Music_Theory
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
When you put your two melodies together, you should make sure they both fit<br />
within the notes of the underlying chord, and stay within the confines of the<br />
underlying scale. <strong>The</strong> two melodies should also not duplicate each other; if you<br />
have two identical melodies, you’re writing in unison; not in counterpoint. That<br />
means each melody should have its own motion—which should complement,<br />
but not interfere with, the motion of the other melody. <strong>The</strong> notes within each<br />
melody also should not interfere or clash with the notes in the other melody;<br />
avoid dissonant vertical intervals.<br />
It’s okay for the two melodies to have their own rhythmic patterns. In fact, in<br />
classical music it’s expected. (If your two melodies have identical rhythmic<br />
structure you have what is called a 1:1 rhythmic ratio, which in some ways is<br />
easier to work with than more rhythmically complex forms.)<br />
Creating Your First Counterpoint<br />
<strong>The</strong> best way to learn about counterpoint is to dive into the deep end—and<br />
start composing!<br />
For our first counterpoint, we’ll start by defining some parameters. <strong>The</strong>se are<br />
not necessarily hard-and-fast rules for the contrapuntal form, but they do make<br />
it easier for beginners to create a working counterpoint.<br />
Here are the parameters:<br />
◆ Use a 1:1 rhythmic ratio; both melodies should use the same rhythmic<br />
patterns.<br />
◆ Only consonant harmonic intervals are allowed; no dissonant harmonies.<br />
◆ <strong>The</strong> lower part must begin and end on the tonic of the key.<br />
◆ <strong>The</strong> upper part must begin on either the first or the fifth of the key, and<br />
end on the tonic—either in unison with the bass part or an octave above.<br />
◆ Between the melodies, rely heavily on intervals of thirds and sixths. Avoid<br />
octaves and unisons, except for the final note.<br />
◆ Move each voice the shortest distance possible.<br />
Now let’s get started.<br />
Some composers like to write both melodic parts simultaneously; this enables<br />
them to employ various advanced techniques, such as sharing a contrapuntal<br />
melody between the two parts. However, for beginners it’s a lot easier to write<br />
the first part first; then complete the puzzle by adding the second, counterpoint,<br />
melody.<br />
Which is exactly what we’ll do.<br />
We’ll start from the bottom up and create our first melody for the lower voice.<br />
(This is the staff labeled “2,” in bass clef.) Our melody is in 3/4 time, in the key<br />
of F Major. Because counterpoint works best when both parts have a lot of<br />
rhythmic and melodic movement, the melody is fairly lively, with a lot of eighth<br />
notes; it also starts and ends on the tonic note, F.<br />
Chapter 15: Harmony and Counterpoint<br />
Note<br />
<strong>The</strong>se general principles<br />
are similar to the ones<br />
established by Johann<br />
Joseph Fux in his classic<br />
counterpoint book Gradus<br />
ad Parnassum (“steps to<br />
perfection”), published in<br />
1725. Many great composers<br />
throughout history<br />
have used this book to<br />
learn counterpoint.<br />
195