monophony

[ muh-nof-uh-nee ]

noun

, plural mo·noph·o·nies.

1. a musical style employing a single melodic line without accompaniment.
2. monody ( def 3a ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of monophony¹

First recorded in 1885–90; mono- + -phony

Example Sentences

“Similarly, the composer wishes to leave behind the entire modern arsenal and save himself through naked monophony carrying only that which is crucial — the triad.”

From Washington Post