What is "harmonization"

Harmonization \Har`mo*ni*za"tion\ (h[aum]r`m[-o]*n[i^]*z[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. The act of harmonizing.

1772, from harmonize + -ation.

n. An act of harmonize.

1. n. a piece of harmonized music [syn: harmonisation]

2. singing in harmony [syn: harmonisation]

In music, harmonization is the chordal accompaniment to a line or melody: "Using chords and melodies together, making harmony by stacking scale tones as triads".

A harmonized scale can be created by using each note of a musical scale as a root note for a chord and then by taking other tones within the scale building the rest of a chord.
For example, using an Ionian ( major scale)

• the root note would become the I major chord,
• the second note the ii minor chord,
• the third note the iii minor chord,
• the fourth note the IV major chord,
• the fifth note the V major chord (or even a dominant 7th),
• the sixth note the vi minor chord,
• the seventh note the vii diminished chord and
• the octave would be a I major chord.

Using the minor ( aeolian mode) one would have:

• i minor,
• ii diminished,
• III major,
• iv minor,
• v minor,
• VI major,
• VII major and
• the i minor an octave higher.

In standards, harmonization is the process of minimizing redundant or conflicting standards which may have evolved independently. The concept borrows from the process to harmonize discordant music.

The goal is to find commonalities, identify critical requirements that need to be retained, and provide a common standard. For businesses, harmonization cuts compliance costs and simplifies the process of meeting requirements. It also reduces complexity for those tasked with testing and auditing standards compliance.