What musical texture describes a single melodic line without harmonic support?

Monophonic texture is characterized by a single melodic line with no accompanying harmony or chords. This means that there is only one voice or instrument performing the melody, creating a straightforward and clear musical expression without any added layers. This type of texture can often be found in chants, simple folk songs, or solo performances where the focus is purely on the melody itself.

In contrast, homophonic textures involve a main melody supported by chords or harmonies, polyphonic textures feature multiple independent melodies that intertwine with each other, and heterophonic textures consist of variations of a single melody being performed simultaneously. These distinctions highlight the unique qualities of monophonic texture, making it essential for understanding different musical styles and compositions.