Scribd
Upload
29 views2 pages

Musical Harmony Complexities

The document provides an overview of parallel motion in music, where multiple voices move in the same direction while maintaining a constant interval, creating smooth harmony. It contrasts parallel motion with other types like contrary and similar motion, and discusses real versus tonal parallel harmony. Additionally, it outlines various contrapuntal techniques and species counterpoint, highlighting different methods of melodic interaction.

Uploaded by

Jakobho
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
29 views2 pages

Musical Harmony Complexities

The document provides an overview of parallel motion in music, where multiple voices move in the same direction while maintaining a constant interval, creating smooth harmony. It contrasts parallel motion with other types like contrary and similar motion, and discusses real versus tonal parallel harmony. Additionally, it outlines various contrapuntal techniques and species counterpoint, highlighting different methods of melodic interaction.

Uploaded by

Jakobho
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

IAI Overview

Parallel motion in harmony occurs when two or more musical lines move in the same direction
(either ascending or descending) while maintaining the same interval between them. This
creates a sense of smooth, continuous movement, often resulting in a chordal texture where
the voices move in parallel.

Iere's a more detailed explanation:

• Direction:

In parallel motion, all voices move in the same direction. For example, if one voice goes up, all
other voices also move up.

• Interval:

The interval between the voices remains constant throughout the parallel motion. For instance,
if two voices start a perfect fifth apart, they will maintain that perfect fifth interval as they
move.

• Examples:

Parallel motion can be seen in various musical contexts. For example, a melody harmonized
with parallel thirds or sixths creates a sense of smooth, flowing harmony. It can also be used to
thicken a melodic line or connect to more important chords according to BEYOND MUSIC
THEORY.

• Contrast with other types of motion:

Parallel motion is different from contrary motion (where voices move in opposite directions)
and similar motion (where voices move in the same direction but with changing intervals).

• Real vs. Tonal Parallel Harmony:

Parallel harmony can be either real or tonal. In real parallel harmony, the interval distances
between the voices are fixed, meaning the exact transposition of the chord occurs. In tonal
parallel harmony, the chord is moved while maintaining its relative interval distance, using only
notes from the current scale.

n contrapuntal harmony, several different types of motion and techniques are used to create
independent melodic lines that interact. These include parallel, similar, contrary, and oblique
motion, as well as concepts like species counterpoint and free counterpoint.

Here's a breakdown of the different types:

1. Contrapuntal Motion:
• Parallel Motion: Two or more parts move in the same direction by the same interval.

• Similar Motion: Two or more parts move in the same direction, but not necessarily by
the same interval.

• Contrary Motion: Two or more parts move in opposite directions.

• Oblique Motion: One part stays on the same note while the other part moves.

2. Species Counterpoint:

• First Species: One note against one note (1:1).

• Second Species: Two notes against one note (2:1).

• Third Species: Four notes against one note (4:1).

• Fourth Species: Tied notes creating suspensions.

• Fifth Species (Florid Counterpoint): Combines elements of the previous species.

You might also like