The movement of two melodic lines with respect to each other
Inmusic theory, contrapuntal motion is the general movement of two melodic lines with respect to each other. In traditional four-part harmony, it is important that lines maintain their independence, an effect which can be achieved by the judicious use of the four types of contrapuntal motion: parallel motion, similar motion, contrary motion, and oblique motion.[1][2]
Parallel motion is motion in the same direction, keeping the same interval between them. For example Playⓘ:
Parallel motion at an interval of a perfect fifth is known as parallel or consecutive fifths, and at an interval of an octave is known as parallel or consecutive octaves. These motions are generally avoided in traditional counterpoint because they offer the lines so little independence from each other.
Similar motion is motion in the same direction, but with the interval between them changing. In other words, both lines move up, or both lines move down, but the interval between them is different in the first chord and the second chord. For example Playⓘ:
An important example of similar motion is in horn fifths.
Contrary motion is motion in opposite directions. That is, when one of the lines moves up, the other line moves down (that is, in inversion). If the voices always move by the same intervals (in opposite directions) they are said to be in strict contrary motion.
The following example shows two voices in contrary motion Playⓘ:
Contrary motion is important to maintain the independence of the melodic movement in contrapuntal writing.