Where words fail, music speaks. – Hans Christian Andersen
Vocal music is a genre of music that uses the human tone as the central part of the piece. It is intended to be performed by one or more singers, with or without instrumental accompaniment (referred to as a Cappella in musical terms). Vocal music not only emphasises the human voice but also features sung words commonly known as lyrics. Therefore, it is the opposite of instrumental music.
Regarding musical textures, there are different types and vocal music can be monophonic or polyphonic. Texture means the layers of music that helps a musical piece sound organised. Some of the most common textures are:
Monophonic
This texture is one of the basic musical textures, and it has only one layer, a single melody line. In this texture, it doesn’t matter how many types of voices or instruments are there or present as they all play at the same time. In simple terms, it could be a person whistling a tune or a song.
Homophonic
This texture uses multiple voices and several notes at once but all in the same rhythm. There is one main melody line in homophonic music, and the harmony is under it. This texture is trendy and is commonly used in western music.
Polyphonic
This musical texture comprises two or more tones or melody layers simultaneously. It could be a male voice, a female voice, a trumped melody, etc., occur at the same time.
Heterophonic
Heterophonic textures consist of multiple voices singing at once; each singer adds their subtle variations. The texture is familiar in Indian and African music.
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