Composition

[ajspiano]

For example, using the melody you've given us for Ionian:

I'm supposed to write a second part either above or below those notes in the treble clef only?

Similarly, with the other 5 modes?  Just write the second part above or below the notes you posted?

yes - if the rules are confusing I would try to do it without reference to them first, and then I or someone else, or even yourself can look at what you do and explain how you've broken them. This is the kind of thing that could get frustrating quickly if you try to get it perfect the first time. I think its better to just enjoy creating than be too rule focused, at least initially.

Use bass clef or treble, which ever you like. - most of them are perhaps initially easier to write a line below the cantus firmus and use bass clef. Some of the melodies are quite low though, so it may be easier to write above them in the treble?

Sorry for not explaining better about similar, contrary and oblique motion and the rules about how intervals may follow each other - I'll probably do better to explain that in my examples than try to write it out. If you have any experience in 4 part vocal harmony (not sure you do though choo?) its similar to the "no consecutive 5ths or 8ves" rule, but more indepth because you're dealing with rules applied to more kinds of intervals and specific kinds of melodic motion.

[candlelightpiano]

Thanks, AJ.  I did do 4 part harmony but that was aeons ago so I don't remember anything.  I'll work on the simple exercise you suggested for tomorrow then (adding a second part to what you gave us).

Also, I notice your cantus firmus melodies don't follow any pattern.  Did you just make them up or are cantus firmus always written like that?  What I mean, for example, is if you look at Ionian and Phyrigian, Ionian is ascending mostly while Phrygian is descending mostly.  Is that just something you made up or are they all supposed to be in those patterns?

[ajspiano]

the 6 melodies are written by johann fux, he wrote a book detailing contrapuntal writing in 1725. I have note yet listened to them or thought about whether I consider them to be any good - I was just throwing up something for people to work with that would take us through a range of melodic possibilities (hence the use of multiple examples in different modes)

cantus firmus just means a pre existing melody around which to write a polyphonic composition.

can·tus fir·mus  (knts fîrms, fûr-)
n.
A preexisting melody used as the basis of a polyphonic composition, especially in 14th- and 15th-century polyphony.

[starstruck5]

There is a guy on YouTube who has done a few really good tuorials on counterpoint -Here is the first.  Afrocounterpoint is his moniker -I think he was the guy who wrote the Lagy Gaga Bad Romance fugue!