Harmony vs. Counterpoint — What's the Difference?

Harmony, in music, is the process by which the composition of individual sounds, or superpositions of sounds, is analysed by hearing. Usually, this means simultaneously occurring frequencies, pitches (tones, notes), or chords.Harmony is a perceptual property of music, and along with melody, one of the building blocks of Western music.

In music, counterpoint is the relationship between two or more musical lines (or voices) which are harmonically interdependent yet independent in rhythm and melodic contour. It has been most commonly identified in the European classical tradition, strongly developing during the Renaissance and in much of the common practice period, especially in the Baroque.

An orderly or pleasing combination of elements in a whole

Melodic material that is added above or below an existing melody.

A relationship in which various components exist together without destroying one another

The technique of combining two or more melodic lines in such a way that they establish a harmonic relationship while retaining their linear individuality.

A relationship characterized by a lack of conflict or by agreement, as of opinion or interest

A composition or piece that incorporates or consists of contrapuntal writing.

The study of the structure, progression, and relation of chords.

A contrasting but parallel element, item, or theme.

Simultaneous combination of notes in a chord.

Use of contrasting elements in a work of art.

The structure of a work or passage as considered from the point of view of its chordal characteristics and relationships.

(Music) To write or arrange (music) in counterpoint.

A combination of sounds considered pleasing to the ear.

To set in contrast

A musical line that harmonically complements the melody

(music) A melody added to an existing one, especially one added to provide harmony whilst each retains its simultaneous identity; a composition consisting of such contrapuntal melodies.

A collation of parallel passages, especially from the Gospels, with a commentary demonstrating their consonance and explaining their discrepancies.

Any similar contrasting element in a work of art.

Agreement or accord.

An opposite point.

A pleasing combination of elements, or arrangement of sounds.

Obsolete form of counterpane

(music) The academic study of chords.

(transitive) To compose or arrange such music.

(music) Two or more notes played simultaneously to produce a chord.

(transitive) To serve as an opposing point against.

(music) The relationship between two distinct musical pitches (musical pitches being frequencies of vibration which produce audible sound) played simultaneously.

An opposite point

A literary work which brings together or arranges systematically parallel passages of historians respecting the same events, and shows their agreement or consistency.

The setting of note against note in harmony; the adding of one or more parts to a given canto fermo or melody

The just adaptation of parts to each other, in any system or combination of things, or in things intended to form a connected whole; such an agreement between the different parts of a design or composition as to produce unity of effect; as, the harmony of the universe.

A coverlet; a cover for a bed, often stitched or broken into squares; a counterpane. See 1st Counterpane.

Concord or agreement in facts, opinions, manners, interests, etc.; good correspondence; peace and friendship; as, good citizens live in harmony.

A musical form involving the simultaneous sound of two or more melodies

A literary work which brings together or arranges systematically parallel passages of historians respecting the same events, and shows their agreement or consistency; as, a harmony of the Gospels.

To show differences when compared; be different;

A succession of chords according to the rules of progression and modulation.

Write in counterpoint;

See Harmonic suture, under Harmonic.

Compatibility in opinion and action

The structure of music with respect to the composition and progression of chords

A harmonious state of things in general and of their properties (as of colors and sounds); congruity of parts with one another and with the whole

Agreement of opinions

An agreeable sound property