Musical Texture

Question 1

Texture

Answer 1

The interweaving of melodic (horizontal) and harmonic (vertical) elements in the musical fabric.

Question 2

Monophonic

Answer 2

Single-line texture, or melody without accompaniment.

Question 3

Heterophonic

Answer 3

Texture in which two or more voices (or parts) elaborate the same melody simultaneously, often the result of improvisation.

Question 4

Improvisation

Answer 4

Creation of a musical composition while it is being performed, seen in Baroque ornamentation, cadenzas of concertos, jazz, and some non-Western musics.

Question 5

Polyphonic

Answer 5

Two or more melodic lines combined into a multivoiced texture, as distinct from monophonic.

Question 6

Counterpoint

Answer 6

The art of combining in a single texture two or more melodic lines.

Question 7

Homphony

Answer 7

Texture with principal melody and accompanying harmony, as distinct from polyphony.

Question 8

Homorhythmic

Answer 8

Texture in which all voices, or lines, move together in the same rhythm.

Question 9

Imitation

Answer 9

Melodic idea presented in one voice and then restated in another, each part continuing as others enter.

Question 10

Canon

Answer 10

Type of polyphonic composition in which one musical line strictly imitates another at a fixed distance throughout.

Question 11

Round

Answer 11

Perpetual canon at the unison in which each voice enters in succession with the same melody (for example, Row, Row, Row Your Boat).