What does Monody refer to in music?

Monody in music refers to a style that emphasizes a single melodic line, typically sung by a soloist. This form emerged during the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods, contrasting with the previously dominant polyphonic textures where multiple independent melodic lines coexist. Monody allows for greater expressiveness and clarity of the text, as the focus is on the solo singer's interpretation of the melody and the emotional delivery of the lyrics.

In this context, the correct choice highlights the essence of monody as it pertains specifically to songs performed by soloists, showcasing their vocal abilities and the intimate relationship between melody and text. Monody often accompanies the soloist with simple harmonies, allowing the melody to stand out prominently, which is a defining characteristic of this style. The other options reflect ensemble or orchestral music forms which do not align with the singular focus of monody.