What is the definition of 'texture' in music?

The definition of 'texture' in music refers to the way in which different musical lines or parts interact, which encompasses how various elements such as melody, harmony, and rhythm combine to create a piece's overall sound. Texture can include aspects like the number of voices or instruments playing at once (e.g., monophonic, homophonic, polyphonic), how these parts complement or contrast with each other, and the richness or complexity of the music. This understanding allows musicians and composers to analyze and create sounds that can be thick or thin, dense or sparse, impacting the emotional and aesthetic qualities of a piece.

This definition highlights the significance of interplay between voices and instruments in shaping the character of a musical work, rather than focusing on other aspects like volume, speed, or rhythm, which are separate elements of musical composition and performance.