Contrary motion

Definition

Contrary motion is a musical term that refers to the movement of two or more voices or lines in opposite directions. This concept is essential in creating harmonic textures and maintaining balance within musical phrases, especially in voice leading and the formation of cadences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Contrary motion helps create tension and resolution in music, making it crucial for effective cadences.
2. In voice leading, contrary motion can help to avoid dissonance by allowing voices to move away from each other, enhancing clarity.
3. The use of contrary motion is prevalent in counterpoint, where composers create intricate textures by interweaving independent melodic lines.
4. Contrary motion can occur on various structural levels, from individual phrases to larger sections of a piece, contributing to the overall cohesion of the music.
5. When adding predominant function chords like IV and ii, utilizing contrary motion between the melody and bass can strengthen harmonic progressions.

Review Questions

• How does contrary motion contribute to effective cadences and their resolution?
  • Contrary motion plays a vital role in effective cadences by creating a sense of movement and resolution. When one voice moves up while another moves down, it enhances the feeling of tension leading into a cadence. This contrast helps highlight the closure of a musical phrase, making it feel more satisfying and complete.
• Discuss how contrary motion functions within voice leading and its impact on harmonic clarity.
  • In voice leading, contrary motion ensures that voices move away from each other, which can prevent dissonance and maintain clarity. This technique allows for smoother transitions between chords and helps establish a stronger harmonic foundation. By employing contrary motion, composers can create well-balanced phrases that avoid muddiness in texture.
• Evaluate the significance of contrary motion in counterpoint, particularly in the context of creating independent melodic lines.
  • Contrary motion is essential in counterpoint as it allows for the creation of independent melodic lines that harmonically complement each other. By moving in opposite directions, these lines can achieve greater complexity while maintaining balance and coherence. This interplay fosters rich textures and intricate musical ideas, showcasing the skill of composers in blending multiple voices into a unified piece.

Related terms

Parallel motion: The simultaneous movement of two or more voices in the same direction by the same interval.

Voice leading: The practice of connecting chords in a smooth and harmonically pleasing manner by considering the individual voices' movements.

Counterpoint:

A technique in music composition where two or more independent melodic lines are combined to create a harmonious texture.