13.10- Texture

Question 1

Monophonic

Answer 1

Music that is written for only one voice or part is said to be monophonic (the music itself is called “monophony”).

Question 2

Polyphonic

Answer 2

Music composed for many parts or voices, each with its own melody, thus creating a rich texture of sound.

Question 3

Homophonic

Answer 3

A style of composition in which there is one melody, and all the voices and accompaniments move rhythmically together.

Question 4

Unison

Answer 4

Two instruments playing in unison are playing exactly the same notes or the same melodic line.

Question 5

Plainchant/Gregorian Chant

Answer 5

In “Quem quaeritis”, a soloist alternates with a female group, but only one line of music (one voice) is sung from the beginning to the end of the piece:

Question 6

Texture

Answer 6

Texture refers to layers of sound. Layers of sound include rhythm section, solo voice, background singers, brass instruments, percussion instruments, and any combination of these.