Polyphonic texture

Polyphonic texture refers to a style of music where multiple independent melodies are played or sung simultaneously. Unlike a single melody with accompanying chords (homophony), polyphony is characterized by the interplay of different melodies that each have their own rhythm and contour. This approach creates a rich, layered sound, often found in choral music, fugues, and compositions by Bach. Each melody is important, contributing to the overall complexity and beauty of the piece, allowing listeners to appreciate the intricacies of musical conversation among the parts.