Homophonic

DEFINITION

A style of composition in which there is one melody, and all the voices and accompaniments move rhythmically together. This is opposed to polyphonic, in which each voice may move independently. Homophony is not to be confused with monophony, in which all the voices and accompanying instruments are performing exactly the same notes, in homophony there is a distinct melody with accompanying harmony, but all move in the same rhythmic pattern. A melody plus an accompaniment. The melody is more important than whatever else is going on. Related terms: monophonic, polyphonic. A piece or part of a piece with one melody with accompaniment.