Counterpoint


Students seeking graduate degrees in Music Theory, Organ, Piano, Musicology, and Composition are expected to demonstrate a competency with the basics of 18th century counterpoint (and to a lesser degree the basics of 16th century counterpoint). 

Species Counterpoint - Sample Questions

Write a second species (half-notes) to the given cantus firmus. Clicking on the 'Solution' link below will give one of many possible correct answers.

Second species

Second species key

Write a second species (half-notes) to the given cantus firmus. Clicking on the 'Solution' link below will give one of many possible correct answers.

Second species half notes

Second species half notes key

Write a third species (quarter-notes) to the given cantus firmus. Clicking on the 'Solution' link below will give one of many possible correct answers.

Third species

Third species key

Terminology

Be able to define the following terms:

  • polyphony
  • homophony
  • cantus firms
  • dissonance
  • consonance
  • invertible counterpoint
  • suspension
  • retrograde
  • inversion
  • augmentation
  • diminution
  • subject
  • answer
  • countersubject
  • stretto
  • double fugue
  • canon
  • episode
  • exposition
  • tonal answer
  • real answer

Fugues - Sample Questions

In the soprano voice starting on the given note (stem up in measure 2) write a tonal answer to the following alto fugue subject. Continue the alto voice in counterpoint with your answer.

Fugues sample question

Fugues sample question key

In the alto voice starting on the given note (stem down in measure 3) write a tonal answer to the following soprano fugue subject. Continue the soprano voice in counterpoint with your answer.

Fugues sample question

Fugues sample question key

In the soprano voice starting on the given note (stem up in measure 3) write a real answer to the following alto fugue subject. Continue the alto voice in counterpoint with your answer.

Fugues sample question

fugue subject 3 key

In the tenor voice starting on the given note (stem up in measure 2) write a real answer to the following bass fugue subject. Continue the bass voice in counterpoint with your answer.

Fugues sample question

Fugues sample question key