BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Counterpoint and Fugal Analysis 4

Question 1

Which of the following describes 'melodic inversion' as applied to a fugue subject?

Accepted Answer

Every ascending interval becomes a descending interval of the same size, and vice versa

Answer

Melodic inversion (also called contrary motion) flips all intervals around a central pitch so that rising motion becomes falling motion and vice versa.

Question 2

In fifth species (florid) counterpoint, what distinguishes it from the other four species?

Accepted Answer

It freely combines note values and ornamental figures from all previous species

Answer

Fifth species combines half notes, quarter notes, ties, and ornamental figures from species 1–4, producing a flowing, decorative melodic line.

Question 3

A fugue subject that contains a leap from scale degree 1 to scale degree 5 most commonly requires a tonal answer because:

Accepted Answer

Answering the leap literally would emphasize the dominant of the dominant, destabilizing the home key

Answer

A leap from 1 to 5 answered literally at the fifth (5 to 2) would imply a modulation, so the answer modifies 5-to-2 as 5-to-1, keeping the tonal center stable.

Question 4

Which Baroque composer is most closely associated with the systematic demonstration of fugal technique in 'The Well-Tempered Clavier'?

Accepted Answer

Johann Sebastian Bach

Answer

J.S. Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier (Books I and II) presents 48 preludes and fugues in all major and minor keys, serving as a cornerstone of fugal study.

Question 5

In strict counterpoint, which type of motion is always permitted between any two voices regardless of the resulting interval?

Accepted Answer

Oblique motion

Answer

Oblique motion, where one voice remains stationary while the other moves, is always permitted because it creates no risk of parallel perfect intervals.

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 4