Which term refers to the sacred polyphonic form where voices move in parallel motion?

• A. Motet
• B. Organum
• C. Détaché
• D. Cadenza

Answer: (B)

Parallel motion in sacred polyphony is organum. In this early form, a second voice is added to a chant and moves in lockstep with it, usually at consonant intervals like a perfect fourth or fifth, creating a chant-plus-harmony texture. It originated in the medieval era, especially within the Notre Dame school, where composers such as Léonin and Pérotin helped develop the technique. This distinguishes organum from later polyphony where voices move more independently. For comparison, a motet involves more independent lines and often different texts; détaché is a style of articulation; a cadenza is a virtuosic solo passage.