What do you respond to in music?

[Derek]

I know which I picked

[ted]

And I'll bet you know which one I picked !

[Derek]

hehehe

[lostinidlewonder]

should put an "all the above" selection

[Derek]

good point lostinidle...... To a certain extent I think harmony and melody are the same thing...a strong bass line in a very real sense is simply a melody which implies related tones above.  And a good melody is more itneresting when its broken up rhythmically,  so yes...I should have put an all of the above!   

[greyrune]

To a certain extent I think harmony and melody are the same thing...a strong bass line in a very real sense is simply a melody which implies related tones above.

i don't know about that, i suppose in some kinds of music you're right.  A Bach fugue or chorale is basically a load of melodies strung to gether right, but in other types of music harmony takes on a life of it's own.  in most chopin peices the harmony could never been seen as a melody it could never be sung fluidly and i think this is almost the definition of a melody.  I'm sure you weren't saying that they are the same, no one would, but i think it's importnat to have a clear distinction.  I think harmony probably is the most important aspect of a song.  many many wonderful peices have almost nonexistant melodies but through a gorgeous harmony are transformed into masterpeices.  It's best to have both of course but without a decent harmony a peice is nothing, at least that's my opinion.

[ted]

The thing which I have learned from this poll is the staggering difference between the responses of piano enthusiasts and those of the general public. I asked a selection of people at work the same question, and in almost every case they cited melody, or a "good tune" as being very important. Some of the younger ones stated that rhythm was the most important. One or two said, "It doesn't matter what they play as long as they belt it out." I interpreted this as a vote for rhythm.

But look at the results here - not a single vote for melody - I would never have guessed the result of this most interesting poll.

[nomis]

But look at the results here - not a single vote for melody - I would never have guessed the result of this most interesting poll.

Then I am the first then. I voted not to prove you wrong, but I voted for melody because it is my honest opinion. I am not a dancer, so rhythm doesn't have a strong effect on me. Years of listening to love songs and all other types of cheesy pop music has had a profound impact on me, which is probably why I find Beethoven so unappealing because he writes rubbish melodies.

[Floristan]

...which is probably why I find Beethoven so unappealing because he writes rubbish melodies.

   Gasp!    Rubbish?  Because you don't leave the concert hall singing them?

God, now I have that "rubbish" melody from the Eroica going on in my head and I can't get rid of it! 

[greyrune]

which is probably why I find Beethoven so unappealing because he writes rubbish melodies.

i can only say one thing: ode to joy!

[quantum]

Beethoven:
Symphony No.5 slow movement
Symphony No.7 slow movement
Pastoral Sonata Op.28

You call those rubbish melodies!!!?

---

To answer the original question.  I look for as many of those combined qualities in music.  Part of the joy of learning a piece is discovering how those qualities come together to make the entire piece. 

[ludwig]

   I am totally shocked about the comment on rubbish melodies of Beethoven 

Maybe you mean predictable? Or linear? Because I find them rather comforting =) He's only one of my favourite composers, hence the nick... I think Beethoven has the ability to compose music to go with a variety of moods... Maybe nomis haven't heard a variety of Beethoven's music


PS I think maybe expression (like a good performance) should be added

still shocked 

[Derek]

Hmm... I think I should change my vote to melody. I've been thinking a lot lately about what I'm really responding to in music....and I think it must be melody, because i'm listening to a Sitar piece right now, which has ZERO harmonic movement (unless you consider mode changes a sort of harmonic change....if it is its too slow to be compared at all to Western harmonies),  but the melodies and rhythmic energy of the piece are just wonderful! I could listen to this stuff all day.

On the other hand, the first prelude from WTC could be said to lack melody or rhythm, its just an arpeggiated sequence of chords. I love that piece....so...

I should have put an all of the above.

[Tash]

i respond most to harmony, especially after joining the uni choir, and years of listening to the 4 singers in my music make the most lovely harmonies. it's gotten me really into choral music, which based on harmony- good harmonising will always tingle my spine. also with counterpoint and fugues etc. how they work together i absolutely love. harmony just puts the ting in music!

rubbish of beethoven?? what beethoven is one of my most fave composers omg that's insane.you obviously haven't listened to him properly

[steinwayguy]

Then I am the first then. I voted not to prove you wrong, but I voted for melody because it is my honest opinion. I am not a dancer, so rhythm doesn't have a strong effect on me. Years of listening to love songs and all other types of cheesy pop music has had a profound impact on me, which is probably why I find Beethoven so unappealing because he writes rubbish melodies.

Just Beethoven is such a profoundly motivic composer does not mean you should hate on his melodies. The second movement of Op. 90, for example. I haven't heard many better melodies than that in my life.