What is Contrary Motion?

Contrary motion is a musical technique in which two or more voices move in opposite directions. When one voice moves upward in pitch, the other moves downward, creating a sense of balance, contrast, and independence between the parts.

For example, if a melody in the soprano voice moves from C to D, and the bass moves from G to F, the two voices are in contrary motion. This technique contrasts with parallel motion, where voices move in the same direction, and oblique motion, where one voice stays the same while the other moves.

Contrary motion is widely used in counterpoint, classical harmony, jazz arranging, and orchestration. It adds variety and richness to musical textures, helps maintain independence between voices, and often produces a more pleasing and balanced harmonic sound.