Which statement defines polyphony?

• A. A texture with a single melodic line.
• B. All voices or parts have several distinct melodic lines occurring at the same time.
• C. A texture with main melody plus accompaniment.
• D. A texture with two voices moving in parallel motion.

Answer: (B)

Polyphony is the texture where two or more voices carry independent melodies at the same time. The key idea is that each part has its own contour and rhythm, weaving together as distinct musical lines rather than simply supporting a single tune. That’s why the statement describing all voices as having several distinct melodic lines occurring together best captures polyphony: it emphasizes both multiple lines and their independence. A single melodic line describes monophony; a main melody with accompaniment describes homophony, where the accompanying parts aren’t independent melodies; and two voices moving in parallel motion tends to create a harmonic texture rather than truly independent lines, so it doesn’t define polyphony.