Monophonic texture is defined as what?

• A. One voice (melody) without accompaniment
• B. Many voices with independent lines
• C. A rhythmically complex, polyphonic texture
• D. A chorus with instrument accompaniment

Answer: (A)

Monophonic texture is a single melodic line with no harmonic accompaniment. It can be performed by one performer or several singers in unison, but there is only one line of melody and no independent harmony or chords moving underneath. When there are multiple voices with independent melodies, that creates a polyphonic texture. A rhythmically complex, polyphonic texture also signals multiple entwined lines. A chorus with instrument accompaniment adds harmony, which is not monophonic. So the description of one voice (melody) without accompaniment best captures monophony.