Two parts moving in opposite directions simultaneously describes which motion?

• A. Parallel motion
• B. Oblique motion
• C. Contrary motion
• D. Direct motion

Answer: (C)

Contrary motion occurs when two musical parts move in opposite directions at the same time. As one voice rises, the other falls, so the lines travel away from each other rather than together. This helps keep the voices independent and avoids unwanted parallel perfect intervals. By contrast, parallel motion has both voices moving in the same direction, often creating parallel fifths or octaves; oblique motion is when one voice stays still while the other moves; direct motion is when both move in the same direction into a perfect interval, which can create hidden parallels. The described situation—two parts moving in opposite directions—is contrary motion.