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

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