polyphonic etymology

Etymology

• Greek: polyphōnos, "many-voiced"
• poly-: "many"
• phōnē: "voice, sound"

Meaning

"Polyphonic" refers to something that has or involves multiple simultaneous musical voices, lines, or melodies.

Origin

The term "polyphonic" was first used in the 12th century, when it was applied to medieval music that featured multiple independent melodic lines. It was later used to describe Renaissance and Baroque music that exhibited a rich and complex polyphonic texture.

Additional Information

• In music, polyphony is contrasted with monophony (single-voiced) and homophony (single-note, chordal accompaniment).
• Examples of polyphonic music include fugues, canons, and madrigals.
• Polyphony plays an important role in Western classical music, particularly during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
• The invention of the polyphonic keyboard in the 15th century allowed for the creation of more complex and intricate polyphonic music.

polyphonic relate terms

• polyphony

  Etymology The term polyphony comes from the Greek words poly πολύς meaning

• monophonic

  Etymology Mono Greek for single Phonic Greek for sound Meaning Monophonic r

• stereophonic

  Etymology From Greek stereos solid and phōnē sound Meaning Relating

• mono

  Etymology The word mono is derived from the Greek word monos meaning single or a

• polyphonic

  Etymology Greek polyphōnos many voiced poly many phōnē voice sound Mean

• ostensible

  Etymology Latin ostendere to show exhibit Past participle ostensus French os

• virtual

  Virtual Etymology Meaning The tendency of words to take on a meaning that aligns with t

• fiend

  Etymology The word fiend is ultimately derived from the Proto Germanic root fainijaz

• paradigm

  Etymology Greek paradigma παράδειγμα meaning example model or pat

• obstreperous

  Etymology The word obstreperous comes from the Latin word obstreperus meaning noi

• performance

  Etymology From Medieval Latin performantia from Latin perfōrmāre meaning to perform

• reason

  Etymology The word reason derives from the Old French word raison which in turn ori

• balance

  Etymology Middle English balaunce from Old French balance from Latin bilanx bilance