Which term refers to a single-line texture in music?

Prepare for the National Board Music Test. Dive into flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each query has detailed hints and explanations. Ace your exam today!

The term that refers to a single-line texture in music is monophony. In a monophonic texture, there is only one melodic line being performed, without any harmonization or accompaniment. This texture can be seen in various forms of music where a single voice or instrument carries the melody.

Monophony emphasizes the melody in isolation, allowing for clarity and focus on the single musical line. It is often found in traditional folk music, chants, and early forms of Western music. This characteristic makes it distinct from other textures such as heterophony, which involves variations of a single melody played simultaneously, homophony, where a primary melody is accompanied by chords, and polyphony, which consists of multiple independent melodies interweaving together. Each of these other forms introduces complexity through harmony or additional lines, differentiating them from the straightforward nature of monophonic texture.

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