Definition

The occurrence of multiple voices or instruments playing or singing different versions of the same melody at the same time.

Example

In the performance, the musicians created a beautiful heterophony that enriched the melody.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of heterophony in music?

Yeah, isn't that when different versions of a melody are played at the same time?

Exactly! It creates such a unique sound when performed well.

I love that! It adds so much depth to the music.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Heterophony → It is formed from "hetero-" (from Greek "heteros", meaning different) and "phone" (from Greek "phone", meaning voice or sound). The word describes a musical texture where different variations of a single melody are played simultaneously, hence the idea of different sounds or voices.

Memory Tip

Think of 'different' ('hetero-') sounds or 'voices' ('phone') being played together — that's what heterophony means.

Visually Confused Words