Isn’t that sweet!
However. In music, harmony means something a bit different. The notes and tune of a harmony may be different from the melody in whole or in part. And while the melody sounds great on its own, the harmony part? Not so much. It sounds weird, out of tune…wrong. Especially when people know what the melody is.
But put both of them together? Not only does the harmony sound great, it makes the melody even better! Now, some might say that the harmony isn’t as important as the melody. Some might even say that one doesn’t need the harmony at all in a musical piece, or in a song. But if the goal is to sound as good possible, wouldn’t you want a harmony? Wouldn’t you want the vibrancy, richness and nuanced sound of two things coming together? Wouldn’t you want the whole to be greater than the sum of its parts? I know I do!
Let me interject–for those of you who dismiss the talents of those who can bring musical harmony to a song, just let me say this. Anyone can sing the melody! The melody is easy, and relatively simple to get down. As for the harmony? My friend, that is the hard part. That is complex. Taking notes that don’t sound right in isolation, learning them, and singing them with the melody? That. Is. Difficult.
The question I hope you’re asking is how does this relate to your life and relationships?
For those of you who are melody-type people. Good for you! You sound great, life is going great, and everything is tickety-boo. But your life would be so much better if you found someone who was a bit different than you. Just enough so that the two of you together sound better than if you were living life on your own. And finding someone doesn’t mean a lover, or a partner. It could mean a friend or a colleague–just someone different enough so that you have all the bases covered.
Now, I have to admit I’m a harmony person. I LOVE singing harmonies, and I’m good at it. The problem is that harmony people are complex. They’re odd birds now and then. And they don’t have a problem playing a supporting role because they KNOW that if they leave, while things may sound good…it will never sound as good as it did while they were there. They provide the musical spice to life. You know what spices are; things that make edible food even more tasty? See where I’m going with this? No one NEEDS spices…but they are sure nice to have.
So my advice to you is almost the same as for the melody people. Find someone who not only sings a melody but appreciates what you do. Respects what you do. And admits that what you do makes things better. Because here’s a secret I’ll whisper in your figurative ear. You can sing the best, most accurate harmony in the world, but if your melodic partner is crap…you’ll sound like crap too. Get what I’m saying?
So for all of you readers who are missing something in your life…here’s hoping you find the harmony or melody you need in your life.
P.S.
I’m a HUGE Abba fan, and one of the BEST examples of a strong, harmony is from the movie Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again… Angel Eyes. Harmonies handled by the incomparable Christine Baranski (the brunette). Link provided
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jv2B26475WE
P.P.S.
One other thing! Sometimes the music will call for the HARMONY to be dominant and upfront while the melody takes a back seat. Harmony people, be ready! Melody people? Don’t act like a bear with a sore head. LOL.
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