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polyphony
In music, this term describes a specific structural complexity where melodies are woven together, creating a rich, layered sound. It suggests a sense of balance and interdependence, where no single voice is merely accompaniment but each is an equal contributor to the harmonic whole.
When applied to literature or sociology, the term shifts toward a conceptual framework of plurality. It evokes an image of a conversation where multiple truths coexist, avoiding the hierarchy of a single narrator. This usage often carries a positive connotation of inclusivity and intellectual diversity, contrasting sharply with the singular authority of a monophonic perspective.
Meanings
The musical texture consisting of two or more simultaneous lines of independent melody.
The composer is renowned for his mastery of complex polyphony in choral works.
The coexistence of multiple independent voices, perspectives, or narratives within a single literary work or social context.\n\nIn a literary sense, this refers to a narrative technique where the author allows various characters to express their own distinct worldviews without a single dominating authorial voice. This creates a democratic space where conflicting truths can exist simultaneously.\n\nIn a broader sociological context, it describes a state of cultural or ideological plurality where diverse discourses intersect and compete without one being subsumed by another. This is often contrasted with monophony, which represents a single, unified perspective.
The novel employs a striking polyphony to reflect the fragmented nature of urban life.
Examples
I love this polyphony.
Polyphony sounds very rich.
Listen to the polyphony.
The choir sang with beautiful polyphony.
He studied polyphony in music school.
The song has a complex polyphony.
The teacher explained polyphony during the music lesson.
This fantasy epic uses polyphony to show different races.
The detective noticed a polyphony of conflicting witness stories.
Bach is the undisputed master of Baroque polyphony.
The CEO praised the polyphony of ideas in the boardroom.
Bakhtin defined polyphony as a key element of the novel.