Voice Crossing
Definition
Voice crossing occurs when two voices in a musical composition cross over each other, meaning that the higher voice temporarily goes below the lower voice or vice versa. This can create dissonance and affect the overall harmony of the piece.
Analogy
Imagine a group of friends walking together on a sidewalk. Voice crossing is like two friends suddenly switching places, with one friend stepping behind the other for a moment before returning to their original position. It disrupts the natural flow of movement.
Related terms
Counterpoint: Counterpoint refers to the combination of multiple melodic lines that are played or sung simultaneously. It involves creating independent melodies that harmonize with each other.
Voice Leading: Voice leading is the smooth and logical progression of individual voices within a musical composition. It focuses on how each voice moves from one note to another, ensuring good melodic and harmonic connections.
Dissonance: Dissonance refers to harsh or unstable sounds created by certain combinations of notes. In voice crossing, dissonance can occur when voices momentarily clash due to their crossing paths.
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