Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'polyphony'

English Word: polyphony

Key Russian Translations:

• полифония [pəlʲɪˈfonʲɪjə] - [Formal, Music term; used in academic and professional contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in musicology, literature, and arts discussions, but less frequent in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B2) - Requires familiarity with musical terminology; suitable for learners with basic to intermediate Russian vocabulary in specialized fields

Pronunciation (Russian):

полифония: [pəlʲɪˈfonʲɪjə]

Note on полифония: The stress falls on the third syllable ("fonʲɪjə"). Pronunciation can vary slightly in fast speech, with the "лʲ" sound being palatalized, which is a common challenge for English speakers. Practice the soft "л" as in "любовь" (love).

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Music: The simultaneous combination of two or more independent melodies or voices.

Translation(s) & Context:

• полифония - Typically used in formal music discussions, such as in compositions by Bach or in music theory classes.

Usage Examples:

• В музыке полифония позволяет нескольким мелодиям звучать одновременно, создавая богатый звуковой ландшафт.

  In music, polyphony allows several melodies to sound simultaneously, creating a rich sound landscape.

• Бах мастерски использовал полифонию в своих фугах, что сделало его работы бессмертными.

  Bach masterfully used polyphony in his fugues, making his works immortal.

• Современные композиторы часто экспериментируют с полифонией, сочетая её с электронными элементами.

  Modern composers often experiment with polyphony, combining it with electronic elements.

• Изучение полифонии помогает понять эволюцию западной музыки от средневековья до настоящего времени.

  Studying polyphony helps understand the evolution of Western music from the Middle Ages to the present day.

• В оперном театре полифония добавляет глубину, когда несколько голосов переплетаются в кульминационных сценах.

  In the opera theater, polyphony adds depth when several voices intertwine in climactic scenes.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Полифония" is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows regular patterns for feminine nouns ending in -ия. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it straightforward for learners once the basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • контрапункт (counterpoint) - Often used interchangeably in music theory, but focuses more on the technique of combining melodies.
  • полиритмия (polyrhythm) - Refers to overlapping rhythms, similar in complexity but distinct in application.
• Antonyms:
  • монофония (monophony) - Refers to a single melody without overlapping voices.

Related Phrases:

• полифоническая музыка - Polyphonic music; commonly used in discussions of classical compositions.
• техника полифонии - Polyphony technique; refers to methods employed in music education or performance.
• полифония в литературе - Polyphony in literature; extends the concept to narrative structures, as in Mikhail Bakhtin's theories.

Usage Notes:

"Полифония" directly corresponds to the English "polyphony" in musical contexts, emphasizing the interplay of multiple voices. It is primarily formal and academic, so avoid using it in casual conversations. When choosing between translations, "полифония" is the most precise for music, but in broader contexts like literature, it may overlap with concepts like "многослойность" (multilayeredness). Pay attention to grammatical gender (feminine) and declension in sentences. For example, use it with adjectives that agree: "сложная полифония" (complex polyphony).

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "полифония" with "полифоничность" (polyphonousness), which is not a standard term. Correct: Use "полифония" for the concept itself. Example of error: "Эта песня имеет полифоничность" (incorrect). Correct: "Эта песня использует полифонию" (This song uses polyphony). Explanation: "Полифоничность" is rarely used and may sound awkward; stick to established terms.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun in sentences, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Correct: In genitive contexts, say "работы по полифонии" (works on polyphony) instead of "работы по полифония". Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, which English speakers often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "полифония" is deeply tied to the legacy of composers like Johann Sebastian Bach, whose works influenced Russian music through figures such as Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. It symbolizes complexity and intellectual depth in art, reflecting Russia's rich tradition in classical music and literature, as explored in literary theory by Russian thinkers like Bakhtin.

Related Concepts:

• гармония (harmony)
• ритм (rhythm)
• контрапункт (counterpoint)
• монофония (monophony)