4th Species
Fourth species is the syncopated species - i.e. there is one note in the added part for each one in the cantus firmus, but the notes in the added part come on the off beat.
Rules
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The interval on the second of the bar must be consonant
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Dissonant suspensions are permitted on the first beat of the bar.
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The dissonant note must be prepared (i.e. must be present in the same voice) on the previous weak beat
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Dissonances must resolve downwards by step on the next beat
4th species-type progressions are good for creating a sense of logic in a melody or chord progression, because there is a sense that the music 'has' to behave in a certain way - one thing follows necessarily from another.
Here is complete 4th-species exercise. Click on it to hear it.
Now print out these exercises and try to complete them.
1. Add an upper part
2. Add a lower part
