1). What aspects of music do most people understand and appreciate about music? I.e., what do they remember about a piece – the melody, the rhythm, the harmony, the timbre, a combination of these?
-I think the answer is melody but I'm not sure
2). If a music composer does not focus on melody and harmony, what do they focus on?
-Would it be rhythm?
Yes, I think both your answers are right.
1) When it comes to what aspects of music most people understand and appreciate, it can vary from person to person. However, one of the most commonly remembered elements of a piece of music is indeed the melody. Melody refers to the sequence of musical notes that form a recognizable and memorable tune. It is often the part of a song that people hum or sing along to. So, your intuition that melody plays a significant role in people's understanding and appreciation of music is correct.
However, it's important to note that people may also appreciate other elements of music, such as rhythm, harmony, and timbre. Rhythm refers to the pattern of beats and accents in a piece of music, which provides a sense of forward momentum and groove. Harmony refers to the combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously, creating chords and tonal relationships. Timbre, on the other hand, refers to the unique quality of sound produced by different instruments or voices. These elements can also contribute to the overall experience and appreciation of a musical piece, but melody tends to hold a special place in the memory of many listeners.
2) If a music composer does not focus on melody and harmony, they may indeed choose to emphasize other elements, and one of the common alternatives is rhythm. Rhythm-driven compositions often prioritize intricate and complex patterns of beats, syncopation, and percussive elements. This approach can create a sense of energy, movement, and excitement, even without a strong melodic or harmonic emphasis. Composers who focus on rhythm may explore various rhythmic structures, explore polyrhythms, experiment with timing, or even incorporate irregular and unconventional rhythms into their compositions.
However, it's important to remember that music composition is a creative art form, and composers have the freedom to choose their own artistic priorities. Some composers may even deliberately challenge traditional notions by focusing on other aspects, such as non-melodic tonal explorations, soundscapes, or avant-garde sonic experimentation. So, while rhythm is a common focus in such cases, composers can explore a wide range of possibilities based on their individual artistic visions and intentions.