Texture

Introduction

• Monophony

  • Consists of single melody without accompaniment; only one melodic line or voice

  • Ex.      

    • One person whistling a tune

    • Single bugle sounding taps

    • Group of people sing a song without harmonies or melody

• Heterophony

  • Only one melody, but different variations across different voices

• Polyphony

  • Characterized by multiple, independent voices with separate melodic lines and rhythm’s

  • Counterpoint- Melody is supported by another melody rather than by chords

• Homophony

  • Multiple voices move together harmonically at the same pace

  • Can be divided into melody and accompaniment and homorythm

• Melody and Accompaniment

  • Characterized by a clear melody whyc is distinct from other supporting voices

• Homorhythm

  • Type of homophonic texture in which rythmic content of all voices is extremely similar or even identical

Sub-Textual Elements

• Primary Melody (PM)

  • Most memorable and carries the theme or tune

• Subordinate Melody (SM)

  • Happen below the primary melody, often at a softer dynamic melody

• Parallel Supporting Melody (PSM)

  • Offer additional textual support to a primary melody or subordinate melody

  • May maintain a consistent interval below the melody they support or may vary as the harmonies dictate

• Static Support (SS)

  • refers to parts that are 1) sustained tones or chords or 2) repeated rhythms and melodic figures

• Harmonic and Rhythmic Support (HRS)

  • The accompaniment elements of the texture

  • Harmonic support supplies prevailing harmonies that color the melody

  • Rhythmic support provides the textures pulse, beat, and beat subdivisions