| Texture | Part = Voice = Line = Melodic Line | Theory Things William Wieland |
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| Monophony | 1 Part (Doublings are allowed.) |
– Plainchant (e.g. Gregorian Chant) – Bach Cello Suites – Messiaen Quartet for the End of Time "6. Danse..." |
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| Polyphony | 2 or more Independent Parts | – Renaissance or Baroque Counterpoint |
| Homophony | Melody + Accompaniment | – Most Popular Music, Classical Music and Jazz |
| Homorhythmic |
All parts have the same rhythm. (a.k.a. hymn or chordal texture) |
– Handel Water Music "Hornpipe" – Bernstein Mass "Almighty Father" |
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| Heterophony |
somewhat different versions of the same melody performed simultaneously |
– Much Nonwestern Music – Beethoven Violin Concerto (just after the soloist's entrance) |
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Fugues begin monophonically and add voices at regular intervals. Penderecki's Threnody: To the Victims of Hiroshima features texture and dynamics rather than melody or harmony. | ||