Heterophony

Heterophony is a musical texture where multiple performers play or sing the same melody simultaneously, but each adds their own variations or embellishments. Unlike strict unison, where everyone’s performance is identical, heterophony creates a rich, layered sound through subtle differences in timing, ornamentation, or pitch. This technique is common in many traditional music styles worldwide, adding expressiveness and complexity. It reflects a collective, improvisational approach, where performers share a core melody but personalize their interpretation, resulting in an intricate and dynamic musical experience.