Topmusicanswers
Homophony is the concept of a single 'line' as such, potentially split across several parts, but all moving at the same time - parts mainly follow the same rhythm. Polyphony is when there is multiple melody lines at the same time, interacting with each other.
- What's the difference between homophony and polyphony?
- Is hymn polyphonic?
- Which came first polyphony or homophony?
- What is difference between homophony and monophony?
What's the difference between homophony and polyphony?
In homophony, one part, usually the highest, tends to predominate and there is little rhythmic differentiation between the parts, whereas in polyphony, rhythmic distinctiveness reinforces melodic autonomy. Homophony does not necessarily suppress counterpoint, however. ... See also polyphony.
Is hymn polyphonic?
That said, four-part hymns generally are mostly homophonic—the rhythms of the four parts are mostly the same, and the lower parts, as you say, wouldn't stand on their own very well.
Which came first polyphony or homophony?
Homophony appeared with Burney in 1776, emphasizing the concord of harmonized melody. Polyphony appeared in 1864 to distinguish certain contrapuntal sections from homophony.
What is difference between homophony and monophony?
The main difference between monophony polyphony and homophony is that monophony refers to music with a single melodic line and polyphony refers to music with two or more simultaneous melodic lines, while homophony refers to music in which the main melodic line is supported by an additional musical line(s).
