Music Terminology - Texture Flashcards
Monophonic
Having a single unaccompanied melody. Sometimes this can also include a single melody line in octaves.
Homophonic
A primary part (melody) is supported by one or more additional strands that flesh out the harmony. There are usually 2 types:
- Melody and Accompaniment - Melody with any type of harmonic support.
- Homorhythmic - Where the underlying harmonic accompaniment has the same rhythm as melody (e.g. Bach Chorales).
Polyphonic
Two or more parts each having a melody of its own. These will usually compete with one another for the listeners attention.
Contrapuntal
Often interchangeable with “polyphony”, however, they are not the same. Counterpoint is the study of the rules for making melodic lines independent. These “contrapuntal” passages will inevitably end with polyphonic textures.
Heterophonic
Simultaneous variation of a single melody line. Usually, 2 instruments will play the same melody line with one of the parts having the occasional embellishment; this could include passing tones, trills, mordents, turns, etc.
Unison
Where 2 or more instruments will play the exact same melody at the same pitch.
Chordal
Related to chords
Imitation
The repetition of a melody (in a polyphonic texture) shortly after its first appearance but in a different voice. The melody may vary through transposition, inversion, or otherwise, but retain its “original character”.
Melody-Dominated (Driven) Homophony
Refers to a texture that focuses on the main melody with accompaniment coming from different voices and instruments. There is generally a “main character”/ “supporting role” relationship.
Melody-Dominated (Driven) Homophony
Refers to a texture that focuses on the main melody with accompaniment coming from different voices and instruments. There is generally a “focus” “supporting role” relationship.
Countermelody
A subordinate melody accompanying a principal one.
Counterpoint
Refers to the rules that govern independent melody lines. This will usually address the interdependence of harmony and the appropriate use of rhythmic variation and part entry.
Descant
Mostly found in vocal music, but not exclusively. Refers to an independent treble melody sung or played above a basic melody. In choral music, this would be a high soprano/high male part introduced for the final refrain/chorus.
Round
Also called a perpetual canon is a musical composition in which a minimum of three voices sing exactly the same melody but with each voice beginning at different times so that different parts of the melody coincide in the different voices, but nevertheless fit harmoniously together.
Canon
Similar to a round, except the voices don’t need to be exact imitations. The later entries can be varied and manipulated in a host of different ways to generate other harmonies.