contrapuntal
Relating to counterpoint — the combination of two or more independent melodic lines.
In Depth
Contrapuntal music weaves multiple independent voices together so that each line makes melodic sense on its own while fitting harmonically with the others. The adjective describes music that uses counterpoint as its primary compositional technique, as opposed to homophonic music where one melody dominates.
Bach is the supreme contrapuntal composer — his fugues, canons, and inventions demonstrate a mastery of voice-leading that has never been surpassed. But contrapuntal thinking appears throughout music history, from Renaissance motets to jazz improvisation. Even pop music occasionally uses contrapuntal techniques, as in the Beatles' songs where vocal lines interweave independently.
Mozart could reportedly compose a fugue in his head while carrying on a conversation — he would write it down later from memory without a single correction.