contrapuntal
2
9.6
- adjective
- /ˌkɒntrəˈpʌntəl/
- Specialized
:
contrapuntístico
- In her musical analysis class, she learned how to identify contrapuntal lines in classical compositions.
- contrapuntal textures
- contrapuntal forms
It was the culmination of his experimentation with monothematic contrapuntal writing.
- It was the culmination of his experimentation with monothematic contrapuntal writing.
- His music which is really highly contrapuntal, highly the most high information music.
Examples
-
The composer skillfully used contrapuntal techniques to weave multiple melodies together in harmony.
-
Throughout, Brady emphasizes that these contrapuntal narrative strategies work with the insistently voiced style of the text to reinforce its spatial critique.
Academic text (2010) -
An effective variation of this exercise can be employed when working on contrapuntal literature.
Academic text (2000) -
During those fifteen years, I had wonderful training in Renaissance vocal techniques, which led me toward contrapuntal techniques.
Academic text (1994) -
Anyone who composes a theme-and-variations in contrapuntal style will be compared to him, and probably unfavorably.
Blog text (27) -
Intricate winds run through me, contrapuntal, reassuringly mathematic.
Fiction book (1995) -
Singing in parallel thirds is more appropriate for an experienced chorus, whereas imitation or other contrapuntal writing with independent vocal lines is more easily achieved by singers with less experience.
Academic text (2000) -
The song featured a contrapuntal arrangement, with distinct voices intertwining beautifully throughout the performance.
Synonyms
2
7.2
Two or more independent melodies that sound at the same time
Two or more separate melodies sound together
How Interwoven
Surface Forms
Morphology
contrapuntal = counterpoint (semi-transparent) = counterpoint + al
The adjective is transparently based on the musical noun 'counterpoint', but the specialized technical sense and the learned form make it less immediately guessable for many learners.
Etymology
The word contrapuntal comes from the Italian contrappunto, made of contra 'against' and punctum 'point', the same idea behind the English counterpoint. It describes music where two or more separate melodies 'play against' each other but fit together, so the origin explains why it means 'relating to counterpoint'.