This exercise aims to help players explore counterpoint. Counterpoint refers to two melodies played simultaneously that create a third, harmonized melody. There are four ways two voices can move around each other in counterpoint. Oblique Motion occurs when one melodic voice remains constant, while the second voice moves up or down in pitch around it. In Oblique Motion, one melodic voice is playing something tantamount to a drone, or simple repeating pattern, while the second voice dances around it, allowing its own melody to move up and down freely. Contrary Motion refers to two melodic voices that move in opposite directions. One may move up in pitch while the other moves down. In Similar Motion, both melodic voices move up or down at the same time and in the same direction, however they do so by different increments. One voice might leap up an octave, while the second voice might take steps up that octave note. Finally, in Parallel Motion, the two voices are moving in exactly the same ways, but a fixed distance apart. For example, one might be at the root of a key, while the other may begin the same melodic line at the fifth degree.
Here’s how it works:
Begin by creating a series of dancing pairs around the space. Next, play some loud dance music and try out each of the types of motion. What would Oblique Motion look like if it were a dance? One player would be standing pretty still, while the other danced around them. Two dancers showcasing Contrary Motion might both be doing separate dances simultaneously. Dancers performing Similar Motion would be imitating each other, but with slight differences between each dancer. Finally, dancers trying out Parallel Motion would be mirroring each other almost exactly. This can be very silly and fun. That’s ok! We don’t get many chances to just dance. But, remember that the point here is to witness embodied examples of the four types of musical motion. Once participants have gotten the concept of the four types of motion in their bodies, try to put it into music. Each dancing pair will now try to recreate their dance as a piece of music. For example, the Oblique pair may have one player play a drone, while the other solos around it. Each pair may want to do this standing up, just as they did when dancing. They may even want to try to dance while playing!