Music that has a polyphonic texture is said to be contrapuntal . Each melodic line in a contrapuntal texture occupies a separate sonic range and their rhythmic activity and linear contours compliment each other. If polyphonic lines were to occupy the same range or have rhythmic patterns that were similar, each would lose its complimentary role to the other. The melodic material of homophony is usually in the uppermost pitch range. Most songs and much instrumental music is composed in this texture.
Homophonic texture reflects the classic ideal of simplicity and balance.
Many world musics are monophonic in texture, and a few are also polyphonic. The musics of Africa and Indonesia have the appearance of complex polyphony. Homophony has been used more in the West than in other cultures as Western music has a highly developed harmonic component. A small ensemble of a few instruments will sound lighter, thinner and much less dense than a large performing group. A vocal group of four singers will produce a more transparent musical effect than a large chorus.