Counterpoint 
 
                Movement
                Parallel -- both voices move the same direction, and the same distance.
                Oblique -- one voice is stationary while the other moves.
                Similar -- both voices move in the same direction but different distances.
                Contrary -- voices move in opposite directions.
                Cantus Firmus -- the original melody that to be harmonized.
                Counterpoint -- the harmonized voice to the cantus firmus.

                First Species -- 1 to 1

                -- one note for each cantus firmus note.
                -- only consonant intervals are used: unison, minor 3, major 3, perfect 4, perfect 5, octave.
                -- piece must start with a consonant: unison, fifth, or octave.
                -- piece ends in an octave or unison.
                -- parallel fifths and octaves should be avoided, i.e. more than one fifth or octave moving in the same direction.
                -- hidden fifths and octaves should avoided, i.e. moving to a fifth or octave by parallel motion with a skip.
                -- thirds and sixths are most preferable, but other intervals work equally as well.
                -- contrary motion is most preferred.
                -- oblique motion should be kept to a minimum.
                -- parallel and similar motion should be used with caution, to avoid parallel and hidden  fifths and octaves.

                Second Species -- 2 to 1
                -- the first note must be consonant

                -- the second will be dissonant if movement is by step, must be consonant if moves by skip.

                Third Species -- 4 to 1

                Fourth Species -- syncopated

                Fifth Species -- florid counterpoint
                -- is the combination of all the above species.


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