texture in musicology

In musicology, texture refers to how different musical sounds and layers interact within a piece. It describes the overall fabric or quality of the music, such as whether it features a single melody (monophony), multiple independent melodies (polyphony), or a main melody with accompaniment (homophony). Texture shapes the listener’s experience by creating depth, fullness, or contrast. Composers use texture to evoke emotions, highlight certain voices, or build tension. Understanding texture helps us analyze how different musical elements are combined to craft the overall sound and feel of a composition.