Polyphony

Polyphony (from the Greek “poly” – “a lot”, “background” – “sound”) is a kind of polyphonic music in which several independent equal melodies are simultaneously played. This is its difference from homophony (from the Greek “homo” – “equal”), where only one voice is the leading one, while others accompany it (as, for example, in Russian romance, Soviet mass song or dance music).

Polyphony is divided into types:

Sub-polyphony, in which along with the main melody its echo sounds, that is, slightly different options. Characteristic for Russian folk song. Continue reading →