BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
2892 / 18210 · Workshop 10 — “My Funny Valentine”: Minor Color, Suspensions, Descending Bass, and Reharmonizing Emotion← prev⊞ allnext →

10.12Contrary motion

If melody rises while bass descends, emotional intensity increases.

Example:

Melody:

E♭ → F → G → A♭

E♭ → F → G → A♭

Bass:

C → B → B♭ → A.

The interval between them expands.

This creates a dramatic opening.