counter melody

plural counter melodies

1. alternativeAlternative form of countermelody.

   A melody and the counter melody to it should sound well as a duet without accompaniment.

   1948, Roy M. Miller, Practical Instrumentation for the Wind Band, page 29

   2 more examples

   But when the melody and counter melody actually do cross (as in Ex. 37), care should be taken to avoid giving the ear the impression that such crossing has not taken place.

   1997, William Russo, Jazz Composition and Orchestration, page 628

   I've sought to bring this out by creating a slow-moving counter melody which moves through, rather than arrives at, the cadences (this is a hallmark of Celtic harmonies, which are rooted in the concept of drones and dissonance.)

   2010, Patricia M. O'Scannell, The Complete Scottish & English Country Dance Master for Recorders, page 10