Understanding compositional methods and music conceptsGetting started - Harmony

Some composers like to begin by writing a chord sequence. This is a group of chords which follows on from one another to create a musical phrase.

A chord sequence has no melody and so composers can then use the notes of the chords to create a melody line and add harmony parts.

There are different approaches to writing harmonies. A harmony is an accompaniment to the melody. An accompaniment provides a backing part for the melody and is usually made up of chords. The notes of the chords may be played together or separately to create a counter melody. Harmonies make the music sound fuller.

Things to consider:

• Should the harmony be a countermelody that can be played along with the melody?

This would be a second melody line that fits in with the main melody.

• Should the harmony be a series of chords that can be played along with the melody?

This would be a chord sequence using notes that are in the melody.

• Should the harmony be homophonic or polyphonic?

Homophonic harmonies would make all the music move together at the same time while playing different notes. Polyphonic harmonies would make the music move at different times, playing different notes.

• Should the harmony contain an ostinato or riff?

Ostinatos and riffs are short repeated patterns that play over and over again providing repetition in the music.

Here pianist Daniel Ciobanu performs a piece by Ligeti. He explains how the composer uses an ostinato to create an accompaniment for a melody and contrapuntal harmony part. This is an example of different types of harmonisation working together to create an overall piece.

In this video singer Des’ree explains the process of adding chords to her melody. She also shows how you can get ideas for instrumentation by starting with a melody and adding harmony.