There are so many phrases and different terminology in music theory that it can become quite cumbersome to navigate if you’re new to music composition and theory. One of my goals is to break down these terms to help clear some of the confusion that comes with things like polyphonic, monophonic, homophonic, and counterpoint (which I wrote about in another article!)
Each type of music has its own unique characteristics and origins. In this blog post, I wanted to focus on the “phonic” terms you’re going to hear in beginning music theory courses, polyphonic, homophonic, and monophonic. I’ll jump into some details about each, give examples of types of music, and discuss ways they are different and similar.
What Is Polyphonic Music?
In general, polyphonic music is made up of two or more independent melodies that are combined to make a single piece of music. These parts are usually performed simultaneously by different instruments or voices.
Most of the music you hear today…jazz, pop, classical, film music, etc., is considered polyphonic music, but it has been popular for over 500 years.
Some of the earliest examples of polyphonic music date back to the 11th and 12th centuries with organum, a type of Gregorian chant that added an extra voice to the original melody.
Polyphonic music became more popular in the 14th century with composers like Guillaume de Machaut and Ars Nova. The Renaissance period was also a big time for polyphony with composers like Josquin des Prez and Palestrina.
What Type Of Music Is Polyphonic?
An example of polyphonic music would be something like a fugue, where there are several different voices each playing their own melody, but they all work together to create a cohesive piece of music.
Is A Counter Melody An Example Of Polyphony?
A counter melody is a second melody that is played at the same time as the main melody, which is an example of polyphonic music. This can be done in a few different ways:
- The two melodies could be in the same range so they are played together by the same instrument or voice.
- The two melodies could be in different ranges so they are played by different instruments or voices.
- One melody could be played by an instrument while the other is sung by a voice.
Is Polyphonic Classical Music?
Classical music is not necessarily polyphonic. While polyphonic music is often found in classical music, it can be found in other genres as well. Likewise, classical…no matter if you mean “classical” in terms of era or just general orchestral music…music can be monophonic or homophonic.
It’s important to remember that the term “classical” refers to…at least in regards to music history/theory…a period in history from about 1730 to 1820. Polyphonic is a word that is made up of two words, poly and phonic, which translates to many voices…and refers to the structure of a piece of music rather than a time frame or style.
What Is Monophonic Music?
Generally, monophonic music is made up of a single melody with no harmony or counter-melody. This was the most common type of music prior to the 13th century.
The word monophonic is made up of two words, mono and phonic which translates to “one” and “voice.” As soon as another voice or instrument starts playing something other than the melodic line, the music ceases to be monophonic.
What Type Of Music Is Monophonic?
An example of monophonic music would be a Gregorian chant because, in most cases, there is only one voice singing a melody without any harmonies. Many songs young children are taught in various youth groups are monophonic…everybody singing the same melody.
Another example, at least in part, would be music that has a call and answer aspect to it. The call would be the main melody while the answer would be a response, often in a different range, to that melody.
You’ll find monophonic music in various genres such as:
- Gregorian chants
- Some folk songs from various cultures
- Some pieces of Japanese gagaku
What Is Homophonic Music?
Homophonic music is made up of a single melody with accompaniment. The word homophonic is made from two Greek words, “homo” meaning “same”and “phone” meaning “sound or voice.” The melody stands out above the accompaniment, which creates a single “line of sound.” r
Homophonic music bridges the gap, so to speak, between polyphonic and monophonic music. There is still one primary melody happening (monophonic) but other instruments are introduced to play harmonies (polyphonic.)
The main difference is that the instruments playing the accompaniment are not playing true counter-melodies…those would be more independent parts that compliment the main melody but could also stand on their own.
What Type Of Music Is Homophonic?
This is another example of musical structure that has examples spanning most every genre of music and nearly every era of music. Popular music, such as pop and rock, fit into the homophonic category…as well as polyphonic mentioned above…You’ll find homophonic music in various genres such as:
- Pop Songs
- Rock Songs
- Songs from the Renaissance Period
- Some Baroque Pieces
What Is The Difference Between Homophony And Homophonic?
Homophony and homophonic are two words that are often used interchangeably to describe the same musical texture…a melody with accompaniment.
The word homophony comes from the Greek “homo” meaning “same” and phone meaning “sound or voice.” The word homophonic comes from the Greek “homo” meaning “same” and phonic meaning “relating to sound.”
In other words, they both describe music that has a melody with accompaniment but homophony is the more technical word while homophonic is the more general word.
What Similarities Do Polyphonic, Monophonic, And Homophonic Music Share?
Now that we’ve looked at the three types of musical textures, let’s see what similarities they share.
- All three types of music have a melody
- The melody is the primary focus in all three types of music
- All three types of music can be from any era
- All three types of music can be from any genre
- All three types of music can be performed by any combination of instruments
- All three types of music can be performed by any number of people
What Other Structures Of Music Are There?
We’ve looked at the three most common types of music structures but there are a few others worth mentioning.
Monody
Monody is similar to monophonic in that there is only one melody but the big difference is that monody always has accompaniment while monophonic does not.
Heterophony
Heterophony is where two or more instruments or voices play or sing the same melody but each musician/singer gives it their own interpretation. This could be something as simple as one person playing a melody on the piano while another person sings that same melody…but with different dynamics, phrasing, etc.
Ostinato
An ostinato is a repeating musical phrase. This could be a melody, chord progression, or even a drum beat. The ostinato is usually played by one instrument but others may join in as the piece goes on.
