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Republic of the Philippines
University of Eastern Philippines
University Town, Northern Samar
College of Education
A Module
(Musical Texture)
Prepared by:
Ortecio, Mark Francis E.
Grade 10 MAPEH Teacher
Topic: Musical Texture
Objectives:
After completing this lesson, you will be able to
1. Define texture, especially in the musical sense
2. Distinguished between four types of musical texture
3. Summarize the problems in deciphering musical texture
Time Frame: 1 hour
Introduction:
The texture of a particular sound or shape is a musical environment in which
the combination of all the parts and strands are weaved together. These elements
can be set against each other or can be complementary. Textures are often
described via sensory metaphors. They can be thin, busy, dense, transparent,
delicate, etc. These sensory metaphors inform us about the type of musical
organization: a cloud of sounds will have a different quality to a ripple of notes.
However, the metaphors do not tell us much about the musical activity.
Consequently it is necessary to be more specific in our discussion of texture.
In music, texture is how the melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic materials are
combined in a composition, thus determining the overall quality of the sound in a
piece. Texture is often described in regard to the density, or thickness, and range,
or width, between lowest and highest pitches, in relative terms as well as more
specifically distinguished according to the number of voices, or parts, and the
relationship between these voices. For example, a thick texture contains many
'layers' of instruments. One of these layers could be a string section, or another
brass. The thickness also is affected by the amount and the richness of the
instruments playing the piece. The thickness varies from light to thick. A piece's
texture may be affected by the number and character of parts playing at once,
the timbre of the instruments or voices playing these parts and the
harmony, tempo, and rhythms used. The types categorized by number and
relationship of parts are analyzed and determined through the labeling of primary
textural elements: primary melody (PM), secondary melody (SM), parallel
supporting melody (PSM), static support (SS), harmonic support (HS), rhythmic
support (RS), and harmonic and rhythmic support (HRS).
Discussion:
What is Texture?
One definition of texture refers to “a structure of interwoven fibers”. In
music, texture refers to the way multiple voices (or instruments) interact in a
composition. One may also think of texture as a description of musical hierarchy:
which voice is most prominent? Are all the voices equal?
Types of Four Texture in Music
Although there are multiple ways of describing texture in music, we will
focus on four particular types:

Monophonic

Polyphonic

Homophonic

Heterophonic
Let’s start!
Monophonic
This is the simplest type of texture. In monophonic music, a single voice or
part is played without harmonic accompaniment. As long as the attention is on a
single line or voice, the music is monophonic.
Monophonic Texture
Monophonic Texture consists of a single melody alone.
Polyphonic
Polyphonic music consists of two or more voices, but it is distinct from
heterophony. In heterophonic texture, the part that all voices play is based upon
the same melody (though the same notes may not be played). Polyphony is based on
counterpoint. Counterpoint is a Latin term that in musical terms can be translated
as “note against note”. This means that a counterpoint or polyphonic texture
consists of two or more simultaneous melodies that are distinct from each other in
notes and rhythm.
Polyphonic Texture
Polyphonic Texture consists of two or more melodies performed
together at the same time.
Homophonic
Is a piece of music with chords, where two instruments play the same line of
melody in the same rhythm; however, one instrument plays one note and a second
instrument places a note in harmony. Is a texture in which a primary part is
supported by one or more additional strands that flesh out the harmony and often
provide rhythmic contrast.
Homophonic Texture
-- OR --
Homophonic Texture consists of a melody with chordal
accompaniment, or chordal harmony alone.
Heterophonic
Is a type of texture characterized by the simultaneous variation of a single
melodic line. Such a texture can be regarded as a kind of complex monophony in
which there is only one basic melody, but realized at the same time in
multiple voices, each of which plays the melody differently, either in a
different rhythm or tempo, or with various embellishments and elaborations.
Here are some Examples
Monophonic:
"Mercedes Benz" by Janis Joplin
Distinguishing between Monophonic & Chordal Homophonic textures:
"Takin' Care of Business" by Bachman-Turner Overdrive
Texture of vocals:
3:57 to 4:04 - monophonic vocals
4:05 to 4:12 homophonic-chordal vocals
Homophonic (chordal)
"Carry On Wayward Son" by Kansas (opening phrases & vocals in chorus)
"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen (opening phrases)
Classic scene from Wayne's World (1992)
"Bohemian Rhapsody" from Wayne's World
"Fat Bottomed Girls" by Queen
"Seven Bridges Road" by The Eagles
Homophonic (melody & accompaniment):
"She's Got a Way" by Billy Joel
"Steamroller" by James Taylor
"Carry On Wayward Son" by Kansas (verses)
Polyphonic:
"Black Water" by The Doobie Brothers
"We Have Heaven" by Yes
"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen (operatic section)
"Carry On Wayward Son" by Kansas (guitar solo)
Changing Textures:
"Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys
"Surfer Girl" by The Beach Boys
"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen
Activity!
I.
Complete the table according to its musical terms and descriptions given.
Musical Terms
Homophonic
Description
The texture of a single melodic line
without accompaniment is
When two or more melodic lines of
equal interest are performed
simultaneously, the texture is
Polyphonic Texture
II.
Distinguish where is Monophonic, Polyphonic, Homophonic and
Heterophonic in the following.
__________1. “Happy Birthday” at a Birthday party
__________2. Religious choral music
__________3. Hymn singing during a religious service
__________4. “Mercedes Benz” by Jonis Joplin
__________5. “Black Water” by the Doobie Brothers
__________6. “Seven Bridges Road” by the Eagles
__________7. “We Have Heaven” by Yes
__________8. “Carry On Wayward Son” by Kansas (opening phrases &
vocals in chorus)
__________9. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen (operatic section)
SA
After answering proceed to the next module.
THANK YOU!