Cross stand (music)

A transverse position ( Latin relatio non harmonica ) is an undesirable voice leading in counterpoint and harmony , in which a tone is followed by a tone in another voice that is a chromatic semitone higher or lower.

Example of the transverse stand at Melchior Vulpius 1609

The two possibilities of the cross stand

The succession of the notes of a tritone (in C major, f – b) in different voices was also considered to be a cross stand in the older music theory of the Baroque period. This tritone transverse position was also referred to as Mi contra Fa .

Since the tone setting of the Renaissance, the cross stand has been used almost exclusively as a special means of expression, for example to express strong emotions such as sadness or pain. The transverse position is particularly characteristic in connection with the dissolution of the Neapolitan sixth chord

With heightened des 'and d'

.