What aspect of music does "texture" refer to?

The term "texture" in music primarily refers to the richness and layering of sounds within a musical composition. This concept encompasses how different vocal lines or instrumental parts interact and combine, creating a specific soundscape. A piece can be described as having a thick texture if it includes many layers, such as multiple instruments or harmonies working together, or thin texture if it features a single melody. Understanding texture helps in analyzing how music creates depth and complexity, contributing to the overall emotional impact and character of the piece.

Other aspects, such as rhythmic complexity, melodic variation, and tempo (the speed and flow of music), are important elements in their own right but do not define the term "texture." Each of these aspects contributes to the overall feel of a piece of music, but they are distinct from the concept of texture, which is specifically about how sounds are woven together.