Counter-melody

In music, a counter-melody (often countermelody) is a sequence of notes, perceived as a melody, written to be played simultaneously with a more prominent lead melody. In other words, it is a secondary melody played in counterpoint with the primary melody. A counter-melody performs a subordinate role, and it is typically heard in a texture consisting of a melody plus accompaniment.

Primary and secondary melody in Bach's BWV 1079^[1] Play^ⓘ

In marches, the counter-melody is often given to the trombones or horns. American composer David Wallis Reeves is credited with this innovation in 1876.^[2]

The more formal term countersubject applies to a secondary or subordinate melodic idea in a fugue. A countermelody differs from a harmony part sung by a backup singer in that whereas the harmony part typically lacks its own independent musical line, a countermelody is a distinct melodic line. Including a counter melody makes the music become polyphonic, a type of texture where there are two or more melodies. This can also be called counterpoint or contrapuntal.

See also

• Nebenstimme
• Parallel harmony
• Traditional sub-Saharan African harmony