The term cantus
firmus is historically
reserved for
polyphonic works, as
seen in footnote 20 of
Melody and Texture. It
is used throughout
this text, however,
regardless of texture
type, to denote any
pre-existing melody.
1
Parallel
octaves/unisons are
permitted in purely
monophonic sections.
2
Ranges for vocal parts
are shown in example
6.27 in Beyond Pitch
Notation. Remember
that the regions near
the extreme highest
and lowest notes of
each range are
difficult to produce
and should be written
very sparingly.
3
One word of caution:
diminished triads most
often appear in first
inversion with the
leading tone in the
soprano.
DO NOT DOUBLE
THE SOPRANO when
it contains the leading
tone.