1. the simultaneous performance of the same melody by different instruments or voices, each with slight variations in ornamentation, rhythm, or pitch
Usage: music; technical term

Examples

• Heterophony is common in traditional folk music, where different instruments play the same tune with individual embellishments.
• The orchestra created a rich texture through heterophony, with the flute and violin playing the melody in slightly different ways.
• In many non-Western musical traditions, heterophony is a fundamental compositional technique.
• The conductor encouraged heterophony among the string sections to add depth to the performance.
• Heterophony differs from harmony because all parts follow the same basic melodic line, just with variations.