What is characterized as oblique motion in music?

Oblique motion in music occurs when one voice remains static (stays the same) while another voice moves, creating an interesting contrast. This type of motion adds depth to musical compositions by allowing the stationary voice to serve as a harmonic anchor, while the moving voice can explore melodic lines. The interplay between the stable pitch and the changing pitch creates a distinctive texture and enhances the overall musical expression.

The other options describe different types of musical motion. For example, when both voices move together in harmony, that is referred to as parallel motion. If voices diverge from a single point, that is called contrary motion. Melodic lines overlapping to create texture generally speaks to different types of counterpoint, rather than specifically addressing the relationship of movement between individual voices. Each of these concepts contributes to the richness of musical writing, but they do not define oblique motion as accurately as the characteristic of one voice remaining still while another voice moves.