Contrapuntal motion

In music theory, contrapuntal motion is the general movement of two or more melodic lines with respect to each other.

[4] In first-species counterpoint, it is recommended to limit parallel thirds or sixths to three consecutive uses of a given intervallic size.

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 as it creates the most independence between voices.

For example Playⓘ: If extended for enough time, the note that stays on the same pitch can be called a drone.