Polyphony
noun
In music, the state of having multiple sounds or voices at the same time.
The composer's use of polyphony in this piece makes it rich and complex.
Often appears as...
- choir polyphony
- classical polyphony
Usage tips
General,Academic
noun
In linguistics, the ability of a single phoneme to produce several distinct phonetic variants.
Polyphony in a single language can be challenging for non-native speakers.
Often appears as...
- phoneme polyphony
- phonological polyphony
Usage tips
Academic
noun
In literature, the use of many different voices or perspectives in a single work.
The polyphony in the novel gives us various viewpoints and enriches the plot.
Often appears as...
- narrative polyphony
- character polyphony
Usage tips
Academic,Literary
noun
In music, the state of having multiple sounds or voices at the same time.
The composer's use of polyphony in this piece makes it rich and complex.
Often appears as...
- choir polyphony
- classical polyphony
Usage tips
General,Academic
noun
In linguistics, the ability of a single phoneme to produce several distinct phonetic variants.
Polyphony in a single language can be challenging for non-native speakers.
Often appears as...
- phoneme polyphony
- phonological polyphony
Usage tips
Academic
noun
In literature, the use of many different voices or perspectives in a single work.
The polyphony in the novel gives us various viewpoints and enriches the plot.
Often appears as...
- narrative polyphony
- character polyphony
Usage tips
Academic,Literary
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Music Complexity
Polyphony adds depth to music, creating intricate sound layers that interact harmoniously.
Bach's fugues are admired for their complex polyphony.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Unison
Polyphony is different from singing or playing in unison; it involves different melodies happening together.
Choirs often sing in polyphony to showcase their vocal range.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Heritage
Polyphony in traditional music can reflect a culture's heritage and social unity.
Georgian polyphony is part of the country's cultural identity.
Compare with
baroquechoralcontrapuntalcounterpointfugueharmonymedievalrenaissance
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Video examples
Music and emotion...
the night sky the howl was a style called polyphony music of many independently moving voices that suggested the way the planet seemed to move in ptolemies geocentric universe this was truly the music of the spheres
Video examples
Michael Tilson Thomas:...
as could be seen in the design of the night sky. The 'how' was a style called polyphony, music of many independently moving voices that suggested the way the planets seemed to move in Ptolemy's geocentric universe.
Video examples
Music and emotion...
the night sky the howl was a style called polyphony music of many independently moving voices that suggested the way the planet seemed to move in ptolemies geocentric universe this was truly the music of the spheres
Video examples
Michael Tilson Thomas:...
as could be seen in the design of the night sky. The 'how' was a style called polyphony, music of many independently moving voices that suggested the way the planets seemed to move in Ptolemy's geocentric universe.
Example 1 of 2
Quote examples
Krzysztof Penderecki
Polish Composer
With Orff it is text, text, text - the music always subordinate. Not so with me. In 'Magnificat,' the text is important, but in some places I'm writing just music and not caring about text. Sometimes I'm using extremely complicated polyphony where the text is completely buried. So no, I am not another Orff, and I'm not primitive.
Quote examples
Ludovico Einaudi
Italian Composer
In a soundtrack, you are in a way always relating with... a combination of different languages. It has to have the same path and same rhythm. Sometimes it's a polyphony of languages that have to work together in some way. With musical projects alone, you can be more free.
Quote examples
Steven Price
Musician
For me, anything can be music! I can get huge enjoyment and be moved totally by the purity and perfection of some Renaissance polyphony, but equally I can feel emotion in the expectant hum of a big old guitar amp just before the strings are hit.
Quote examples
Charles Petzold
American Businessman
All modern MIDI synthesizers are capable of polyphony, which means they can play more than one note at a time and more than one instrument at a time.
Quote examples
Roy Lichtenstein
American Artist
I'm trying to make paintings like giant musical chords, with a polyphony of colours that is nuts but works.
Quote examples
Gyorgy Ligeti
Hungarian Composer
In my piano concerto I developed this polyphony to much higher complexity.
Quote examples
Richard Morris
English Clergyman
As for sacred polyphony, there is no reason to be afraid of it.
Quote examples
Krzysztof Penderecki
Polish Composer
With Orff it is text, text, text - the music always subordinate. Not so with me. In 'Magnificat,' the text is important, but in some places I'm writing just music and not caring about text. Sometimes I'm using extremely complicated polyphony where the text is completely buried. So no, I am not another Orff, and I'm not primitive.
Quote examples
Ludovico Einaudi
Italian Composer
In a soundtrack, you are in a way always relating with... a combination of different languages. It has to have the same path and same rhythm. Sometimes it's a polyphony of languages that have to work together in some way. With musical projects alone, you can be more free.
Quote examples
Steven Price
Musician
For me, anything can be music! I can get huge enjoyment and be moved totally by the purity and perfection of some Renaissance polyphony, but equally I can feel emotion in the expectant hum of a big old guitar amp just before the strings are hit.
Quote examples
Charles Petzold
American Businessman
All modern MIDI synthesizers are capable of polyphony, which means they can play more than one note at a time and more than one instrument at a time.
Quote examples
Roy Lichtenstein
American Artist
I'm trying to make paintings like giant musical chords, with a polyphony of colours that is nuts but works.
Quote examples
Gyorgy Ligeti
Hungarian Composer
In my piano concerto I developed this polyphony to much higher complexity.
Quote examples
Richard Morris
English Clergyman
As for sacred polyphony, there is no reason to be afraid of it.
Example 1 of 7
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