Counter-melody - Wikipedia

1 of 2

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counter-melody

Counter-melody
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In music, a counter-melody (often countermelody)

is a sequence of notes, perceived as a melody,
written to be played simultaneously with a more
prominent lead melody: a secondary melody played
in counterpoint with the primary melody. A countermelody performs a subordinate role, and is typically
heard in a texture consisting of a melody plus
accompaniment.

Primary and secondary melody in Bach's

BWV 1079[1] Play

In marches, the counter melody is often given to the trombones or horns (American composer
David Wallis Reeves is credited with this innovation in 1876.[2]) The more formal term
countersubject applies to a secondary or subordinate melodic idea in a fugue. A countermelody
differs from a barbershop quartet-style harmony part sung by a backup singer in that whereas the
harmony part typically lacks its own independent musical line, a countermelody is a distinct
melodic line.

See also
Nebenstimme
Parallel harmony
Polyphonic strumming
Traditional sub-Saharan African harmony

References
1. Benward, Bruce, and Marilyn Nadine Saker (2009). Music in Theory and Practice Vol. 1, p.138.
Seventh edition. Boston: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-310188-0.
2. "U.S. Army Bands in History: Civilian Bands Replace Military Bands". Archived from the original on
July 21, 2007.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Counter-melody&oldid=753041108"

Categories: Accompaniment Melody Music theory stubs
This page was last modified on 4 December 2016, at 21:32.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional

1/18/2017 3:57 PM

Counter-melody - Wikipedia

2 of 2

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counter-melody

terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Wikipedia is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit
organization.

1/18/2017 3:57 PM