Note 85 — Chapter VIII · THE RISE OF THE NETHERLAND SCHOOLS

Imitation is strict when the succession of intervals is identical in both antecedent and consequent; free when some modification of the one appears in the other. Imitation is called augmented when the rhythmic value of the several tones is systematically increased, as, for example, when quarter-notes are represented by half-notes; diminished when the rhythmic value of the several notes is lessened; inverted (or imitation in contrary motion) when every upward interval in the antecedent is represented in the answer by an equivalent downward interval, or vice versa; retrograde (or reversed imitation) when the intervals of the antecedent are taken in the reverse order in the consequent. A canon is a composition in which imitation is carried out at some length. Imitation is also the basis of the fugue.