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Unit 4 · Note against note

First species

Sing note against note over a cantus, as Fux taught in 1725: begin and end on an octave, use only smooth intervals, and move by step against it. Free.

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What it teaches

In 1725 Johann Joseph Fux taught counterpoint in steps he called species. The first is note against note: one of your notes to each note of a cantus, a slow, fixed tune.

Begin and end on a perfect interval. Here an octave

Only smooth intervals. Thirds, fifths, sixths and octaves

Mostly by step, against the cantus. Opposite ways as often as you can

What you sing

  1. Your line, at your own pace.
  2. After the guide's do, sing your line against the cantus.

Singing safely

Sing at an easy volume, in the middle of your range. Stop if anything tightens, scratches or hurts, and rest your voice.

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Stackapella teaches you to sing harmony one part at a time, right in your browser.

Stackapella recording the alto part of Amazing Grace: each note is a bar with its name, and the one being sung says A little low, go up. Stackapella recording the alto part of Amazing Grace: each note is a bar with its name, and the one being sung says A little low, go up. Stackapella recording the alto part of Amazing Grace: each note is a bar with its name, and the one being sung says A little low, go up. Stackapella recording the alto part of Amazing Grace: each note is a bar with its name, and the one being sung says A little low, go up.
  • A guide sings your partHear your line over the others, slow it down, then take your turn.
  • Your notes light upEach note shows where you landed, and a hint when to go up or down.
  • Record every part yourselfStack your takes in time until you're the whole choir.
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