monophony

Monophony is a musical texture defined by a single melodic line performed by one or more voices or instruments in unison. In strict terms, there is no harmonic accompaniment; if several performers share the same line, in unison or at octaves, it is still considered monophony. By contrast, polyphony features two or more independent melodic lines, while heterophony involves a single melody that is simultaneously varied by different performers.

Historically in Western music, monophony was the dominant texture during the medieval period, with plainchant as a primary example. The Renaissance saw the rise of polyphony, but monophony persisted in liturgical chant, solo singing traditions, and various folk practices. Non-Western traditions also produce monophonic textures, where a single melodic line remains central even when performed by multiple singers or players.

In modern usage, the term appears in music technology and instrument design. A monophonic synthesizer can produce only one note at a time, whereas a polyphonic synthesizer can play several notes simultaneously. In performance practice, monophony is often associated with unaccompanied singing or instrumental melodies, though drones or sustained pedal tones can accompany a melody without creating distinct harmonic parts.

See also: texture, chant, drone, polyphony, heterophony.