Music - Texture
Overview
Texture refers to the different lines or layers in a piece of music - how many there are and how they interact with each other. Questions on texture will either ask you to name a type of texture (such as homophonic), or to give a more detailed description in which you also describe how the parts played by different instruments are related to each other.
Test Yourself
Which of the following terms describes a texture in which all the parts move with the same rhythm?
- Chordal
- Monophonic
- Polyphonic
What is the difference between parallel and contrary motion?
What is the term used for a new melody that is heard against the original melody?
Key Words
- Monophonic: an unaccompanied melody.
- Homophonic/chordal: all parts moving together as chords OR melody and chordal accompaniment.
- Contrapuntal/polyphonic: the texture is made up of two or more melodies, heard at the same time. Each melodic line is of equal importance.
- Melody and accompaniment: a melody line (usually at the top of the texture) with an accompaniment.
Other terms to do with texture are:
- Thick and thin: these words can be used to describe textures that are busy with lots going on or textures that are simpler and made up of just two or three layers.
- Parallel motion: describes parts that move in the same direction to each other.
- Contrary motion: the parts move in opposite directions to each other.
- Countermelody: a second melody that is heard at the same time as the more important melody.
- Unison: everyone performs the same note or melody.
- Imitative: other instruments imitate a melodic idea.
Monophonic
Octaves
Homophonic
Polyphonic/Contrapuntal
ImitativeQuestions to help describe texture
Which textural device is used? (Unison, Melody and Accompaniment, Homophony, Polyphony, Monophony)
Can you describe how the accompaniment is playing?
Is the texture thick or thin? Does it change during the piece?
Do the parts move together (homophonic) or are there interweaving lines (polyphonic)?
Can you hear additional parts such as a countermelody or descant?