What is the term for motion in which one line remains stationary while the other moves?

What is the term for motion in which one line remains stationary while the other moves?

• A. Parallel motion
• B. Suspension
• C. Oblique motion
• D. Appoggiatura

Answer: (C)

Oblique motion happens when one musical line stays on the same pitch while another line moves to a different pitch. This creates a sense of stability in the held note while there is motion in the other voice, a common device in voice leading when moving from one harmony to another. For example, if the soprano keeps a G while the bass ascends from C to D, that’s oblique motion. This differs from parallel motion, where both lines move in the same direction; from suspension, which involves a note held over into the next harmony to create a temporary dissonance that resolves; and from appoggiatura, which is an ornamental note that leans into a chord tone, usually approached by leap and resolved by step.

Oblique motion happens when one musical line stays on the same pitch while another line moves to a different pitch. This creates a sense of stability in the held note while there is motion in the other voice, a common device in voice leading when moving from one harmony to another. For example, if the soprano keeps a G while the bass ascends from C to D, that’s oblique motion.

This differs from parallel motion, where both lines move in the same direction; from suspension, which involves a note held over into the next harmony to create a temporary dissonance that resolves; and from appoggiatura, which is an ornamental note that leans into a chord tone, usually approached by leap and resolved by step.