Counterpoint and Fugal Analysis Flashcards
7 cards from real BM or BMus Bachelor of Music practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Counterpoint and Fugal Analysis flashcards as text
In strict two-voice counterpoint, which interval is considered a 'perfect consonance' that must be approached with particular care?
Answer: Perfect fifth
Perfect fifths are perfect consonances and must be approached by contrary or oblique motion to avoid parallel fifths.
A 'real answer' in a fugue transposes the subject to the dominant without alteration, while a 'tonal answer' does what?
Answer: Modifies certain intervals to keep the answer within the home key area
A tonal answer modifies certain intervals (typically when the subject leaps a fifth or emphasizes the dominant) to maintain tonal stability.
Which species of counterpoint introduces passing tones on weak beats against whole notes in the cantus firmus?
Answer: Second species
Second species counterpoint features two half notes against each whole note of the cantus firmus, allowing passing tones on the weak second beat.
In fugal writing, the 'episode' serves what primary structural function?
Answer: Provides transitional material between subject entries using sequences or fragmentation
Episodes are passages between subject entries that provide contrast, modulate to new key areas, and often use sequential or fragmentary development.
The term 'invertible counterpoint at the twelfth' means the two voices can be exchanged so that the interval between them becomes:
Answer: A twelfth lower or higher, with consonances and dissonances swapping roles
In invertible counterpoint at the twelfth, when one voice moves a twelfth, thirds become tenths and the intervallic relationships transform accordingly.
A 'stretto' in a fugue occurs when:
Answer: Subject entries overlap so a new voice enters before the previous entry has completed the subject
Stretto is a contrapuntal device where successive entries of the subject overlap, creating increased intensity and textural density.
Which of the following best describes 'cantus firmus' in the context of species counterpoint exercises?
Answer: A pre-existing melody in long notes against which new counterpoint is written
The cantus firmus (Latin: 'fixed song') is a given melody typically in whole notes that serves as the foundation for counterpoint exercises.