This example defines two-voice first species counterpoint as explained by J. J. Fux (1965, orig. 1725), chapter one. In counterpoint for two voices, the task is to write a fitting counter-melody (the counterpoint) for a given melody (the cantus firmus). In the first species, note durations are irrelevant: notes of parallel voices always start and end together (i.e. all notes are of equal length, usually all notes are semibreve). Also, both voices start and end together (i.e. the cantus firmus and the counterpoint have the same number of notes).
A few rules restrict the melodic aspect of the counterpoint writing. Only melodic intervals up to a fourth, a fifth, and an octave are allowed. No note repetition is permitted. All notes must be diatonic pitches (i.e. there can be no augmented, diminished, or chromatic melodic intervals). The counterpoint remains in a narrow pitch range. Melodic steps are preferred (this rule is so elementary that the Fux' first chapter does not even mention it).
Furthermore, some rules restrict the relation between both voices. Open and hidden parallels are forbidden, that is, direct motion into a perfect consonance is not allowed. Only consonances are permitted as intervals between simultaneous notes and there should be more imperfect than perfect consonances. The first and last notes, however, must form a perfect consonance. Finally, the counterpoint must be in the same mode as the cantus firmus.
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A few Fuxian rules are omitted here for brevity (most of these rules are only given in footnotes by Fux' interpreter Mann). The omitted rules are the following:
