A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Motion
MOTION is change of pitch in successive sounds, when they are allotted to a single part or voice, or to groups of parts or voices which sound simultaneously. The motions of a single part are classified according as the successive steps do or do not exceed the limits of a degree of the scale at a time, the former being called 'disjunct,' and the latter 'conjunct' motion. The following examples illustrate the two forms:—
| Conjunct | Beethoven. |
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| Disjunct | Bach. |
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The independent motions of different parts sounding together constitute counterpoint, and are classified according to their relations, as 'contrary,' 'similar,' and 'oblique' motions. In the first the parts either distinctly converge or diverge, one rising when the other falls. In the second the parts either rise or fall together, though not necessarily at equal distances. The third refers to one part only, which moves up or down while another stands still.
Further explanations and examples will be found under the respective headings.