What is a characteristic of "contrapuntal" music?

Contrapuntal music is defined by the intricate interplay between two or more independent melodies or musical lines. This style emphasizes the interaction and relationship among the melodies, creating a rich and complex texture. Each melody maintains its own identity and contributes to the overall harmony, distinguishing contrapuntal music from other styles that may focus on a single melodic line or harmony. Contrapuntal techniques are often found in compositions by composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, where multiple voices weave together, creating depth and complexity in the music. This characteristic is essential to understanding the nature of contrapuntal compositions and how they engage the listener with their multifaceted melodic structures.