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contrapuntal

/ˈkɑntrəˌpʌntl/
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Other forms: contrapuntally

Anything contrapuntal has to do with counterpoint, which is a type of music that has two melodic lines played at the same time.

Many kinds of music (such as rock and country) are very simple, but others are more complex: such as contrapuntal tunes. Contrapuntal music involves counterpoint, in which more than one musical line plays at the same time. The lines are independent but related harmonically: creating that relationship isn’t easy. A contrapuntal composer therefore must be very skilled, because contrapuntal music has a lot of balls in the air — or rather, notes. You can also call contrapuntal music polyphonic.

Definitions of contrapuntal
  1. adjective
    having two or more independent but harmonically related melodic parts sounding together
    synonyms: polyphonic
  2. adjective
    relating to or characteristic of or according to the rules of counterpoint
    contrapuntal base”
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