Tone color refers to the different aspects of a sound, much like the different pigments used in a painting: bass, tenor, alto, soprano, and whether each sound is composed of several aspects or just a small number. Harmony is the most sophisticated aspect of music where rhythm and melody evolved naturally, Copland states that harmony was the result of intellectual effort, and only emerged in the 9th century. Next Copland talks about harmony and tone color. He states that its power is mysterious and even composers are not certain how it works, but since people can generally agree on what makes a good melody there must be a standard we have not yet discovered or codified. In this fascinating analysis of how to listen to both contemporary and classical music analytically, eminent American composer Aaron Copland offers. Copland explores melody next, asserting it is the next most important aspect of music, and that we experience it as emotion. Rhythm is, in Copland’s estimation, just as important as melody. He notes it has a hypnotic effect, advising that listeners should not resist this effect and should relax into it and let the rhythm do its work. Copland delves into each element specifically, first exploring rhythm.
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