adjective
polyphonic
pah-lee-FAH-nik/ˌpɑːliˈfɑːnɪk/
Combining several distinct voices or melodic lines at once.
The polyphonic performance combines distinct melodies from violin, flute, and cello.
Etymology
“Many voices” becomes a specific musical texture: several melodic lines sound at once, each retaining its own identity within the combined music.
In context
I feel that this music is just so polyphonic that it almost goes beyond my capacity in the style of lecturing that I do to really cover everything that needs to be covered
More examples
- In this polyphonic passage, each instrument carries its own melody.
- She practices keeping both melodies clear in the polyphonic piano piece.
- The song shifts from a single melody to a polyphonic texture.
Forms
polyphonic
polyphony noun — Music combining several independent melodic lines.
polyphonically adverb — With several independent voices sounding together.
Similar words
- contrapuntal
- Emphasizes the structured interplay of independent melodic lines.
- multipart
- Describes music with several parts, not necessarily independent melodies.