Hi everyone,
in order for this to be focused I'd like to begin with asking questions about the ending of the melodies. More questions with follow later.
Johann Fux gives specific rules for the clausula (ending) of counterpoints.
For example in the first species (note against note): he says the penultimate note of the counterpoint should be a minor 3rd away from the cantus firmus if the cantus firmus is the upper part and it should be a major 6th away from the cantus firmus if the cantus firmus is the lower part.
Since he always uses a 2nd as the penultimate note of the cantus firmus: is the only reason of the above rule (either minor 3rd or major 6th...) to archieve a counterpoint-clausula of a leading tone going to the tonic?
Or would there be any other sense in having a penultimate note that is a min 3rd or maj 6th away from the cantus firmus?
Why didn't he just write: "always use the leading tone as the penultimate note of the counterpoint"?
I am interested in any idea concerning this. If nobody really knows an answer I'd also be very grateful about links to other forums that might be helpful.
in order for this to be focused I'd like to begin with asking questions about the ending of the melodies. More questions with follow later.
Johann Fux gives specific rules for the clausula (ending) of counterpoints.
For example in the first species (note against note): he says the penultimate note of the counterpoint should be a minor 3rd away from the cantus firmus if the cantus firmus is the upper part and it should be a major 6th away from the cantus firmus if the cantus firmus is the lower part.
Since he always uses a 2nd as the penultimate note of the cantus firmus: is the only reason of the above rule (either minor 3rd or major 6th...) to archieve a counterpoint-clausula of a leading tone going to the tonic?
Or would there be any other sense in having a penultimate note that is a min 3rd or maj 6th away from the cantus firmus?
Why didn't he just write: "always use the leading tone as the penultimate note of the counterpoint"?
I am interested in any idea concerning this. If nobody really knows an answer I'd also be very grateful about links to other forums that might be helpful.
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