Harmony

Harmony has been defined as "a proper combination of simultaneous sounds." In early times the term was used in a sense indicating melody or music, but it is now used only in the more restricted sense. It is now distinguished from Counterpoint (q.v.), and is regarded as the more elementary study; but counterpoint was systematically studied far earlier than harmony. Harmony treats of intervals, chords, discords, suspensions, passing-notes, cadences, modulations, progression, and thorough-bass. The rules of harmony have from time to time undergone considerable modification, and at present are by no means immutable; but certain broad principles have been very generally accepted. [Music, Counterpoint, Thoroughbass, ETC.]