What does the word "polyphonic" mean in music?

Can anyone give me a simple understandable explanation please.

Answer #1

Polyphony is “pitch-against-pitch” or “sustained-pitch” in one part with melismas of certain lengths in another.

Answer #2

In simple terms, playing more than one note at the same time. When keyboards first came out, like moog synthesizers, you could only play about 5 notes. Not till the 80s did they make keyboards you could play say 10 notes at one time. So it just means, “many voices.”

Answer #3

It has multiple meanings. In vocals it usually refers to harmonizing, when different vocalist sing different notes, usually within a chord.

When referring to instruments, it refers to an instrument that can play multiple notes at the same time. A piano, harp, or guitar are all polyphonic. A trumpet or sax are not.

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