What characterizes a piece of music with monophonic texture?

A piece of music with a monophonic texture is characterized by having a single melody line without any accompaniment. This means that the listener can hear one clear melody being played or sung, which makes it distinct from textures that involve multiple melodies or harmonies. In monophony, there are no chords, harmonies, or supporting musical lines happening simultaneously; just the melody standing alone.

This simplicity allows for a focused listening experience since all attention is directed towards that one melodic line. This characteristic is often found in early music forms, folk music, and vocal chants, where the clarity of the melody is paramount. The absence of accompaniment creates a direct, straightforward musical statement that showcases the beauty and intricacies of the melody itself.