Prelude
The Art of Music


 

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5

Harmony

Harmony refers to different pitches that sound simultaneously. Harmony provides musical depth, somewhat analogous to perspective in painting.. Melody can be referred to as the horizontal aspect of music, while harmony is the vertical aspect. The study of harmony involves intervals, chords and chord progressions--subjects that will be dealt with in later lessons.

Following is an example of a melody that has been "harmonized."

       
 

Example of harmony

     
     

 

Harmony was introduced relatively late in world history (about A.D. 900).  It is the element of music that was developed to a much greater extent in the Western world than any other element.  It is, perhaps, the one element that sets Western music (that of Europe and the United States) apart from other traditional world musics.