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Meaning & use

harmonic music

noun·Advanced

Last updated

UK/hɑːˈmɒnɪk ˈmjuːzɪk/
US/hɑːrˈmɑːnɪk ˈmjuːzɪk/

Meanings

  1. noununcountablemusic

    Music that is built on chords and the pleasing combination of different notes played together.

    Grammar: Used as an uncountable noun: you say 'harmonic music is...' not 'a harmonic music'.

    Patterns

    • harmonic music in a particular style
    • a piece of harmonic music

    The choir specializes in harmonic music from the Renaissance period.

    Many people find harmonic music more relaxing than purely rhythmic pieces.

    Her thesis explores how harmonic music evolved during the Baroque era.

  2. noununcountablemusic

    A style of music that emphasizes pleasant-sounding combinations of notes rather than melody or rhythm alone.

    Grammar: Also uncountable; often used with adjectives like 'rich' or 'complex'.

    Patterns

    • rich harmonic music
    • complex harmonic music

    The composer is known for writing rich harmonic music that moves audiences.

    This ensemble performs complex harmonic music that requires great skill.

Common combinations

rich harmonic music
The orchestra played rich harmonic music that filled the hall.
complex harmonic music
Students often find complex harmonic music difficult to analyze.
traditional harmonic music
The festival featured traditional harmonic music from the region.
write harmonic music
She learned to write harmonic music by studying the masters.

Synonyms and how they differ

harmony
Harmony is the general term for the sound of notes combined; harmonic music refers to music that is characterized by or built on such combinations.
polyphony
Polyphony specifically means music with multiple independent melodic lines; harmonic music focuses on the chords those lines create.

Opposites

unharmonic musicdiscordant music

Word family

harmonic adjective
Relating to harmony or harmonics.
harmonics noun
Overtones or component frequencies of a sound.
harmonically adverb
In a harmonic manner.

Commonly confused: harmonic music or harmonious music?

harmonic music vs harmonious music

Harmonious music means music that sounds pleasant and agreeable; harmonic music is a technical term about the use of chords and note combinations.

Practice

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