What is a defining characteristic of "hocket" in musical composition?

In musical composition, hocket is characterized by the way in which a melody is exchanged between different voices or instruments. This technique involves the interlocking of musical lines, where one voice or instrument plays a note or a pitch, and then another voice or instrument takes over, creating a seamless flow of music. Hocket effectively creates a sense of dialogue and can add interest and complexity to the music by spreading a single melodic idea across several parts.

This distinct approach differentiates hocket from other techniques where harmony is emphasized, where instruments might play in unison or where chords are presented simultaneously. By focusing on the exchange of melody, hocket highlights the interaction and independence of individual musical lines, enriching the overall texture of the composition.