first species

noun

variants or first-species counterpoint

: species counterpoint in which the added voice moves in note values identical to those of the cantus firmus

… the most important technique studied in the first species is the connection of perfect and imperfect consonances through the four types of motion …—

Henry Martin, Counterpoint, 2005

called also (old-fashioned) equal counterpoint

see species counterpoint compare second species, third species, fourth species, fifth species

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of first species was in 1834

See more words from the same year

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Style

“First species.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20species. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.

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