Which of the following terms refers to the combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously?

The term that refers to the combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously is harmony. Harmony occurs when two or more notes are played at the same time, creating a chord or a complex sound that adds richness and depth to music. It is an essential aspect of music composition, as it enhances the emotional and tonal quality of a piece, contributing to the overall texture and atmosphere of the music.

In contrast, melody refers to a single line of music that is perceived as a coherent entity; it is a sequence of notes that is musically satisfying. Rhythm pertains to the timing of music, including the durations of notes and the patterns of sound and silence, which is crucial for the flow of music. Timbre, also known as tone color, describes the quality of sound that distinguishes different types of sound production (like instruments or voices) from one another, but it does not involve combinations of pitches. Therefore, harmony is the correct term to describe the simultaneous occurrence of different musical notes.