Loading…
Loading…
A texture of multiple independent melodic lines sounding simultaneously — the texture of counterpoint and fugue.
Polyphony requires each voice to have melodic interest and independence while fitting harmonically with the others. It is the most complex texture to write well. Use polyphonic passages for intellectual intensity, climactic fugal sections, or when you want every part to be equally important.
Palestrina's "Missa Papae Marcelli" — six independent voices weave in and out in seamless polyphony, the epitome of Renaissance counterpoint.
Polyphony is one of 228 terms in the Gradus musical dictionary, where every definition is written around how composers actually use the word.
Browse the full dictionary →