further diminution
Part I - Further contrapuntal diminution
The slower moving cantus, is often elaborated to bring out the accompanying counterpoint. It is often 3:1, or 4:1 (three notes against one, and four notes against one). Instances of 'free' rhythmic counterpoint is also often. Shown here is an example of third species counterpoint.
Fig.1 third species counterpoint.
Notice that there are four notes against one in third species. In fourth species, also known as free counterpoint, there are instances of upwards of ten notes against one.
Here, in fourth species counterpoint, there are combinations of all of the other species. This is by far the most common type of counterpoint.
Notice that the first note of each group of four sixteenth notes ascends by step, just as the quarter notes do in the cantus.
Part II - the two-voice Chorale Prelude
Using a German chorale tune as the cantus firmus formed much of the vocal repertoire in the Baroque period. Here in this chorale prelude, the tune "Wachet auf ruft un die stimme" is used as the cantus firmus.
