What musical concept describes when music mirrors the literal meaning of the words?

The concept that describes when music reflects the literal meaning of the words is known as word painting. This technique involves composers using musical notes to enhance the textual context, such that the music illustrates or symbolizes the meaning conveyed by the lyrics. For instance, if a song's lyrics mention the word "ascend," the melody might rise, or if it refers to a "storm," the music could swell and become more dissonant to evoke that imagery. Word painting enhances the emotional impact of the text, allowing listeners to feel a deeper connection to both the music and the words being sung.

Other concepts listed, while they pertain to musical structure or style, do not specifically relate to the mirroring of text by music in the same way that word painting does. Homorhythmic texture focuses on different voices or instruments delivering the same rhythms together, while absolute music refers to music that is not intended to represent or depict anything extramusical. Recitativo accompagnato is a form of vocal presentation in opera that is accompanied by instruments, but it does not necessarily incorporate the mirroring effect on meaning found in word painting.