counterpoint Definition
counter·point (ko̵unt′ər po̵int′)
noun
- the technique of combining two or more distinct lines of music that sound simultaneously, esp. with an emphasis on melodic, as opposed to harmonic, progression
- this kind of composition
- any melody played or sung against a basic melody
- a thing set up in contrast or interaction with another
Etymology: ME countrepoint < MFr contrepoint < It contrappunto, lit., pointed against: see counter- & point,
counterpoint Usage Examples
Converse of object
- provide: The site provides a hard counterpoint to the soft green space of nearby Cathedral Gardens.
- create: The entry of voices may create further rhythmic counterpoint.
- offer: The Independent Multiple exhibitions offer a city-wide counterpoint to the International 04.
- form: These serenely abstract images form a counterpoint to the haunting final photographs made at his father's bedside.
- make: A mourning broach making a sad counterpoint to the mourning rings on her hands.
- add: The chen loi - celeriac - added a crisp counterpoint to the tender pork.
Adjective modifier
- imitative: In many ways, the work shows Rheinberger's classical leanings, with its substantial use of imitative counterpoint.
- two-part: At bar 67 Clementi uses the octave quavers, derived from the first subject, but in two-part counterpoint, often in contrary motion.
- ironic: There is also an underlying darkness and even more ironic counterpoint buried in the music and lyrics.
- perfect: The closing sections feature some beautiful flute from Theo Travis providing perfect counterpoint to Wilson's vocals.
- interesting: This forms an interesting counterpoint to the Family Group sculpture.
- nice: A cranked up riff with almost angelic singing over the top gives a nice counterpoint.
Modifies a noun
- exercise: This was after Ravel had composed the Quartet and he was still writing counterpoint exercises, she explained.
- art: Tickets from Counterpoint Arts 01323 833 706 and at the door Saturday November 18 th Christmas Fayre at St Johns Church Hall in Polegate.
- work: Candidates are asked to send, in advance of the interview, photocopied examples of their recent essay writing and harmony and counterpoint work.
Noun used with modifier
- and/or: Admissions Candidates for admission will be asked to provide two essays and some technical exercises ( harmony and/or counterpoint ) from their school work.
- harmony: Admissions Candidates for admission will be asked to provide two essays and some technical exercises ( harmony and/or counterpoint ) from their school work.
- part: This is introduced on the first flute in two part counterpoint with the second.
- cello: Dana Feder's achingly beautiful cello counterpoint the vocals and piano, with subtle church organ riffing completing the mystical effect.
- sixteenth-century: Over a five-year period I wrote exercises in sixteenth-century counterpoint, starting with two-part writing and progressing to four parts.
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