Mitmekõlarilised

Mitmekõlarilised is an Estonian term that translates to "polyphonic" or "multiphonic" in English. It refers to the ability of an instrument or a vocal technique to produce more than one note simultaneously. In music, this is a fundamental concept that distinguishes homophonic and monophonic textures.

Instruments that are inherently polyphonic include many keyboard instruments like the piano, organ, and harpsichord, as well as string instruments played in certain ways, such as a guitar or a lute where chords can be played. Some wind instruments, like bagpipes, are also capable of producing multiple tones. Vocal polyphony is achieved through techniques such as overtone singing, where a single singer can produce two or more distinct pitches at the same time by manipulating the resonance of their vocal tract.

The development of polyphony as a musical texture was a significant innovation in Western music, leading to complex compositions and new harmonic possibilities. It contrasts with monophony, which features a single melodic line, and homophony, where a melody is supported by chords. The term mitmekõlarilised is used in Estonian musical discourse to describe this characteristic of sound production.