Hauptstimme

Hauptstimme (first violin) and Nebenstimme (viola) marked in Arnold Schoenberg's Fourth String

Quartet, mm. 27–31

In music, Hauptstimme (German for primary voice) orHauptsatz is the main voice, chief part; i.e., the contrapuntalor melodic line of primary importance, in opposition toNebenstimme.

Nebenstimme (German for secondary voice) or Seitensatz is the secondary part; i.e., a secondary contrapuntal or melodic part, always occurring simultaneously with, and subsidiary to, the Hauptstimme.

The terms are used primarily by Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, and Anton Webern. They are commonly indicated inmusical scores with the marks "H" and "N".

Further contrapuntal lines or material may be consideredaccompaniment.

Other examples of the terms' use include lead and back up vocals, melody and counter-melody.

In a footnote to a musical score, Schoenberg wrote, "The human voice is always Hauptstimme [when present]."

HauptrhythmusA Hauptrhythmus (plural Hauptrhythmen) is a rhythmic motif or cell.

The Hauptrhythmus of Alban Berg's Chamber Concerto is: