The Music of Hindostan c5.5

c5.5

The most obvious thing about harmony is that certain combinations are more euphonious than others; the more euphonious are dwelt upon, and the less euphonious skimmed lightly over. The essence of harmony lies in ‘substantive’ and ‘passing’ notes, and its progress consists in a training of the ear by which more and more ‘passing’ notes become ‘substantive’. The very various ‘chords’ that arise in this process give a distinct colour, i. e. importance, to the note to which for the moment they are applied.