Monophony

In music, monophony is the simplest of textures, consisting of melody without accompanying harmony. This may be realized as just one note at a time, or with the same note duplicated at the octave (such as when men and women sing together). If an entire melody is played by two or more instruments or sung by a choir with a fixed interval between the voices or in unison, it is also said to be in monophony. Music in which all the notes sung are in unison is called monophonic. Musical texture is determined in song and music by varying components. Songs intersperse monophony, heterophony, polyphony, homophony, or monody elements throughout the melody to create atmosphere and style. Monophony may not have underlying rhythmic textures, and must consist of only a melodic line. The music with a melodic line and rhythmic accompaniment is called homophony.

According to Ardis Butterfield (1997), monophony "is the dominant mode of the European vernacular genres as well as of Latin song ... in polyphonic works, it remains a central compositional principle."

Polyphony (Russian Orthodox liturgy)

In Russian Orthodox liturgy of 16th-18th centuries, polyphony (Russian: многогласие, mnogoglasiye, literally "many-voicing"), sometimes polyvocality, was a tradition to perform several parts of the church service in the same place at the same time, in particular, to sing several different chants simultaneously, to save time. Despite being banned in favor of (monophony (Russian: единогласие, edinoglasiye, literally "single-voicing"), singing the chants one by one consecutively, it persisted for quite some time.

History

The tradition polyphony arose in early 16th century when chants transformed from recitative to elaborate singing. At the same time the strict service regimen adopted in monasteries have become norm in ordinary chcurches. As a result the full church service had gradually become extremely long. Polyphony was introduced at the excuse of saving time and stamina of laymen, however it have gradually evolved to an absurd where, according to complaints, up to 6 chants were sung at the same time, with cantors trying to overshout each other. The Stoglavy Sobor, already in mid-16th century forbade the polyphony, but struggle with it continued for a long time since.

Monophony (disambiguation)

In music, monophony is the simplest of textures, consisting of melody without accompanying harmony.

Monophony or monophonic may also refer to: