Nota contra notam
"Note against note": the simplest form of counterpoint, in which all voices move in the same rhythm.
What it means
Nota contra notam (Latin for "note against note") denotes the simplest form of counterpoint: against every note of a given voice, usually the cantus firmus, exactly one note is set in the counter-voice. All voices thus move in the same rhythm. The voices remain independent lines but are closely bound together in the sound.
Musical use
The term comes from medieval treatises. It describes a way of writing found, for instance, in the conductus of the 12th and 13th centuries, in cadence formulas and in choral settings. In the teaching of species counterpoint it corresponds to the first species, the basis for the freer species in which several notes are set against one.
Nota contra notam should be distinguished from counterpoint with several notes against one, in which the counter-voice is rhythmically enlivened, and from homophonic chordal writing, in which all voices move simultaneously but are conceived as a chord and not as independent lines.
Performance practice
When you sing or write nota contra notam, pay attention to clear voice-leading: avoid parallel fifths and octaves and let the voices move in contrary motion. A calm declamation makes the independence of each voice audible.