What is the term for music made up of two or more melodic lines that are independently treated?

The term for music that consists of two or more melodic lines that are treated independently is known as polyphonic texture. In polyphonic music, each melodic line, or voice, maintains its individual character while contributing to the overall harmony of the piece. This style allows for intricate interweaving of melodies, which can create rich and complex musical experiences. Composers such as Bach are well-known for their use of polyphony, particularly in fugues and canons, where multiple voices engage with one another in a conversational manner.

Monophonic texture refers to music with a single melody line without any accompaniment. Homophonic texture features a primary melody with chordal accompaniment, where the other voices support the main melody rather than offering independent lines. Chordal texture implies a focus primarily on the harmonic aspect, where chords are played without the emphasis on independent melodic lines. Understanding these distinctions helps to recognize the unique characteristics of polyphonic music in contrast to other textures.