What does heterophonic texture in music refer to?

Heterophonic texture in music refers to the phenomenon where two or more voices or instruments simultaneously elaborate on the same melody. This means that while the main melody is being presented, each voice may embellish or vary it in their own unique manner. This creates a richer and more complex sound since the embellishments can differ, yet they all stem from a common melodic line.

This texture is commonly found in various musical traditions around the world, especially in folk music. It allows for individual expression within the framework of a shared melody, leading to a dynamic and engaging musical experience.

The other options, while related to different musical textures, do not accurately describe heterophonic texture. For example, unison (as mentioned in the first choice) involves multiple instruments playing exactly the same notes without variation, which is quite different from the elaborative nature of heterophony.