Polyphony: meaning, definitions and examples
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polyphony
[ pəˈlɪf(ə)ni ]
music
The style or technique of combining two or more independent melodies or parts to create a harmonious whole.
Synonyms
contrapuntal, counterpoint, harmony
Examples of usage
- The composer used polyphony to create a rich and layered musical composition.
- The choir displayed impressive polyphony during their performance.
literature
The use of multiple voices or perspectives in a literary work.
Synonyms
multiple perspectives, multivocality
Examples of usage
- The novel employed polyphony by telling the story from various characters' viewpoints.
- The play's polyphony allowed the audience to see the story unfold from different angles.
Translations
Translations of the word "polyphony" in other languages:
🇵🇹 polifonia
🇮🇳 बहुश्रुति
🇩🇪 Polyphonie
🇮🇩 polifoni
🇺🇦 полифонія
🇵🇱 polifonia
🇯🇵 多声音楽
🇫🇷 polyphonie
🇪🇸 polifonía
🇹🇷 polifoni
🇰🇷 다성음악
🇸🇦 تعدد الأصوات
🇨🇿 polyfonie
🇸🇰 polyfónia
🇨🇳 复音
🇸🇮 polifonija
🇮🇸 margtónlist
🇰🇿 көп дауыстылық
🇬🇪 მრავალხმოვნება
🇦🇿 polifoniya
🇲🇽 polifonía
Word origin
The term 'polyphony' originated from the Greek words 'poly' meaning 'many' and 'phonē' meaning 'voice'. It has been a fundamental aspect of music since ancient times, with early examples found in Gregorian chants and medieval motets. Polyphony evolved over the centuries, becoming a prominent feature in Renaissance vocal music and continuing to influence compositions in various genres. In literature, polyphony gained popularity in the 20th century with authors like Dostoevsky and Faulkner using multiple perspectives to create complex narratives.