ENTER 3

Second-Species Counterpoint

* The second-species counterpoint is a two-voice melody with the cantus firmus as the lower voice. The upper voice that runs against it is made-up of two notes against one in the cantus firmus, except for the last measure which uses one note against the other.  

* Using the first-species counterpoint, the second-species uses a second note that falls on the week beat, which is the third beat in a measure and this takes place in the voice that runs against the cantus firmus.  

The note in the second measure on the third beat is an example of the week beat. 

* The second note in the upper voice can be arranged using either a passing tone or neighbouring tones.

An example of passing and neighbouring tone.

* A passing tone is a dissonance approach that moves stepwise in the same direction.

An Example of A Passing Tone.

* A neighbouring tone is also a dissonance approach that moves stepwise but changes to a different direction.

An Example of A Neighbouring Tone

* The down-beat of the second-species counterpoint must always be consonances. 

Measure two gives an example of a down-beat which is on the first beat of this measure.

This is a Second-Species Counterpoint that I have arranged. 

I am performing the Second-Species Counterpoint just above.

 

This is a Second-Species Counterpoint that I have arranged. 

I am performing the Third-Species Counterpoint just above.

This video includes more information on second-species counterpoint.
 

This video contains listening examples of acceptable and unacceptable second-species counterpoint.