homophony

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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.

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