What is the difference between "harmony" and "melody"?

The distinction between harmony and melody is a fundamental concept in music theory. Harmony refers to the combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously. This creates chords and the harmonic framework of a piece of music, contributing to its depth and emotional impact. When multiple notes sound together, they produce a rich texture that supports the melody.

On the other hand, melody is characterized by a single, linear musical line. It consists of a sequence of notes played or sung one after the other, creating a recognizable tune. Melody is often the part of the music that listeners hum or sing along to, as it is typically more prominent.

Understanding that harmony involves multiple notes occurring at the same time while melody consists of a series of notes arranged in a temporal sequence clarifies their roles within music. Thus, this distinction is crucial for analyzing and appreciating different musical compositions.