Which texture refers to a melody in one voice or part with accompaniment?

The correct answer identifies homophonic texture as a musical texture characterized by a single melody accompanied by chords or other harmonic support. In this context, imagine a singer performing a song while a guitarist strums chords to back the vocal line. The focus remains on the melody, which stands out clearly, while the accompaniment provides harmonic depth and richness.

Homophonic texture is prevalent in various musical styles, especially in popular music, where a lead vocalist is typically supported by instrumental harmonies. This texture creates a clear hierarchical structure where the melody takes precedence and is complemented by the accompaniment.

In contrast, some textures like polyphonic involve multiple independent melodies that interact with one another, while monophonic means a single melody without any accompaniment. Contrapuntal texture refers to a specific type of polyphonic texture involving counterpoint, where two or more melodies are woven together in a complex relationship. Understanding these textures allows for better comprehension of how music is constructed and experienced.