Bach's contrapuntal texture is based on which technique?

• A. Homophony
• B. Imitative Polyphony
• C. Monophony
• D. Atonality

Answer: (B)

Imitative polyphony underpins Bach's contrapuntal texture. This approach means several independent melodic lines weave together, with the same musical idea entering in one voice and then imitated by others at different pitches and times. It’s the feel of a fugue or canon: a motif is stated, then echoed by another voice, then by a third, creating a rich, interlocking fabric of melodies. This contrasts with:

• A single melody with chords underneath (homophony), which isn’t about intertwining independent lines.

• A single line with no counterpoint (monophony).

• Music centered on tonal atonality, which isn’t a feature of Bach’s repertoire.

So the textural hallmark of Bach’s contrapuntal music is imitative polyphony.