What is the characteristic of monophony in music?

Monophony in music is characterized by a single melodic line without any accompanying harmonies or additional melodic lines. This means that there is only one voice or instrument playing the melody at any given time, which can be either sung or played. This simplicity allows the focus to remain solely on the single line of music, creating a clear and straightforward auditory experience.

In contrast, the other choices describe musical textures that involve more complexity. Separate melodic lines refer to polyphony, where multiple independent melodies coexist, each retaining its individuality. A melodic line with accompanying harmony describes homophony, where a primary melody is supported by chords or harmonic structures. Simultaneous playing of multiple melodies is another attribute of polyphony, emphasizing the interaction of different melodic lines rather than focusing on a single one. Thus, the defining feature of monophony is indeed the presence of only one melodic line.