What is homophonic texture?

• A. A melody supported by harmony (most popular music)
• B. Two or more melodies at the same time or equal importance
• C. Multiple performers playing simultaneous variations of the same melody
• D. A dramatic work in one or more acts set to music

Answer: (A)

Texture in music describes how many lines of sound are heard at once and how they relate. Homophonic texture is when there is one clear melody that stands out, with accompanying harmony providing the backdrop. This is exactly what you hear in most popular music: a lead voice or instrument carries the tune while chords or a simple accompaniment move underneath to support it. The other descriptions refer to different textures: two or more melodies of equal importance describe polyphony; simultaneous variations of the same melody describe a variation-style texture; and a dramatic work set to music points to opera. So a melody with harmony underneath best captures homophonic texture.