Monophonic Style

• A simple monophonic texture might be enriched by the use of drones and (in secular music) percussion.
  
• Rhythm was often not notated. We assume that it was tied to text in vocal music and to dance in instrumental music.
  
• Melodies are often long and flowing. Texted music is often melismatic.
  
• Form comes from text in vocal music. The structure of instrumental music is based on repeating sections.
  

Polyphonic Style

• Voices and instruments were often mixed.
  
• Nonimitative counterpoint, with voices moving at different rhythmic speeds, is the primary texture.
  
• Rhythms are often restless and active.
  
• Melodies are long and asymmetrical.
  
• Harmony is based on open fifths and octaves.
  
• Dissonances are often sharp and unexpected.
  
• Pieces are often built on a cantus firmus, and the structure is formed from repetitions of that melody.