How is polyphony defined in music?

Polyphony is defined as a texture in music that consists of two or more independent melodic lines being played or sung simultaneously. This means that each melodic line, or voice, maintains its own individual character and musical integrity while contributing to the overall harmonic texture of the piece.

In polyphonic music, such as fugues or certain choral works, these multiple voices interact with each other, often weaving in and out of harmony and counterpoint. The distinct melodies can complement one another, creating a rich and complex sound. This concept is foundational in many styles of Western music, especially during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

The other options describe different aspects of music but do not capture the essence of polyphony. For instance, a texture with alternating solo and ensemble passages refers to a contrasting style known as homophony, while a type of musical ornamentation would typically relate to embellishments added to a single melodic line. A refrain that repeats throughout a piece could suggest forms of music like strophic or rondo, which focus more on repetition rather than the independent interweaving of multiple melodies.