Chapter 4, The Four Elements of Music; I. Rhythm Summary and Analysis

The four elements of music - rhythm, melody, harmony and tone color are viewed by the author as vital materials to any artisan. Without these specific materials, composers and musicians are not able to create or complete their work. The author believes that the materials themselves are of utmost importance as separate units but do not realize their full potential unless combined with the other three.

While composers and musicians understand the importance of combining these elements, the layman is typically unaware of how the units are required to mesh in order to deliver a finished piece. Therefore, the layman is only conscious of the materials as a whole as they appear in the finished product rather than the separate elements themselves.

Copland states that there are...