homophony (Gk., ‘Same-sounding’). Term applied to mus. in which the parts or vv. move ‘in step’ with one another, instead of exhibiting individual rhythmic independence and interest, as in polyphony. Many modern hymn-tunes are homophonic, whereas Bach's settings of Ger. chorales and many Handelian choruses are polyphonic.

homophony In music, the sounding in unison of voices or instruments. It also refers to a musical texture with a predominant melody part and an accompaniment, as opposed to monophony (music in a single part) or polyphony.