Medieval polyphony

Medieval polyphony refers to a style of music from the Middle Ages (roughly 500 to 1400 AD) where multiple independent melodies are sung or played together. Unlike monophony, which features a single melody, polyphony creates a richer, more complex sound. This music often arose in religious contexts, particularly in church settings, with Gregorian chant as its foundation. Over time, composers developed techniques such as organum, where a new melody is added to existing chants, leading to intricate harmonies that laid the groundwork for later musical developments in the Renaissance and beyond.