BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Counterpoint and Fugal Analysis 3

Question 1

In fourth species (syncopated) counterpoint, dissonances are permitted when they occur as:

Accepted Answer

Suspensions on strong beats resolving downward by step

Answer

Fourth species allows dissonant suspensions on strong beats, provided they resolve downward by step to a consonance.

Question 2

The 'exposition' of a fugue is complete when:

Accepted Answer

All voices have stated the subject or answer at least once

Answer

The exposition ends once every voice has presented either the subject or its answer, establishing the full contrapuntal texture.

Question 3

Which contrapuntal technique involves systematically repeating a melodic or harmonic pattern at successively higher or lower pitch levels?

Accepted Answer

Sequence

Answer

A sequence is the repetition of a melodic or harmonic pattern at different pitch levels and is a common device in fugal episodes.

Question 4

In a three-voice fugue exposition, the third voice typically enters with what material?

Accepted Answer

The subject in the tonic or a tonal answer in the dominant

Answer

In a three-voice fugue, voices alternate between tonic (subject) and dominant (answer) entries, so the third voice returns to the tonic or dominant accordingly.

Question 5

A 'pedal point' in a fugue typically appears at which structural location for maximum effect?

Accepted Answer

Near the end, often on the dominant before the final tonic statement

Answer

Pedal points most commonly appear near the end of a fugue on a sustained dominant, creating harmonic tension that resolves into the final tonic section.

BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Practice Test

BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Practice Test

BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Counterpoint and Fugal Analysis 3