What does "melody" refer to in music?

Melody refers to a sequence of musical notes that are perceived as a single entity. It is essentially a linear succession of pitches that create a tune. A melody is often the most recognizable part of a song and can evoke emotions and connect with audiences on a personal level. It is made distinct by characteristics such as contour, rhythm, and intervals, all of which combine to give a sense of movement and direction in music.

The other options describe different concepts in music. While a combination of rhythms relates more to the aspect of rhythm itself, musical harmony involves the combination of different notes played simultaneously rather than a linear sequence. A style of musical performance focuses on the manner in which music is presented, rather than the sequence of pitches that comprise a melody. Therefore, the definition of melody is aptly captured by the idea of a sequence of musical notes.