COMPOSITION, in music, the art of disposing musical sounds into airs, songs, &c. either in one or more parts, to be sung by a voice, or played on instruments. See MUSIC, and SONG.
Under composition are comprehended the rules, 1. Of melody, or the art of making a single part; that is, contriving and disposing the simple sounds, so as that their succession and progression may be agreeable to the ear. See MELODY.
2. Of harmony, or the art of disposing and concerting several single parts together, so as that they make one agreeable whole. See HARMONY.