Polyphony: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe music that combines several independent melodies at the same time.

• The choral piece was a beautiful example of polyphony evolving into a single harmonious climax.
• Renaissance music often makes use of polyphony to create rich, textured soundscapes.

Refers to the vertical aspect of music involving chords and chord progressions rather than the interplay of independent melodic lines, typically creating a pleasing sound when different notes are played together.

• The band's harmonies added depth and emotion to the song.
• Learning to sing in harmony with others is an essential skill for choir members.

Discusses the technique or practice of writing polyphonic music, focusing on the relationship between intersecting lines of melody.

• The teacher explained how to structure a piece using counterpoint to create musical interest.
• Palestrina's music is noted for its mastery of counterpoint, elegantly balancing multiple voices.

Refers to a specific type of polyphonic music where independent melodic lines are played simultaneously, often intertwining with each other; commonly used in more technical and academic discussions of music.

• Bach's fugues are masterclasses in contrapuntal composition.
• The composer's new work is richly contrapuntal, weaving multiple melodies into a cohesive whole.

This term is often used in music to describe a texture where two or more independent melodies are played simultaneously. It is also used in literature to describe a narrative with multiple voices or viewpoints.

• The choir's polyphony created a rich and complex musical experience.
• The novel's polyphony allows readers to understand the story from various characters' perspectives.

A term used mainly in academic fields such as anthropology, literature, and cultural studies to discuss the presence or representation of multiple voices and perspectives within a single work or discourse.

• The ethnography's multivocality enriches our understanding of the cultural practices.
• The author's use of multivocality captures the diverse experiences of the community.

This phrase is used when discussing topics that involve considering different viewpoints or angles, often in academic, social, or political contexts.

• In order to understand the issue fully, one must consider multiple perspectives.
• The documentary incorporates multiple perspectives to present a balanced view on the subject.