“Is parallel motion between two voices OK?”
I often get asked this question in class. Typically, a student has been told by a teacher that parallel fifths are bad. The student is often a bit indignant about it, as they like and want to use parallel fifths in their own compositions.
The following is my two cents on the topic. If you wish to skip the details… The main point will be, “If you want two parts to be perceived as independent voices, then parallel motion is bad. If you want two parts to be perceived as a single voice, then parallel motion is acceptable.” Continue reading →