Which term describes a sequence of pitches that create a recognizable musical idea?

The term that describes a sequence of pitches creating a recognizable musical idea is melody. A melody typically consists of a series of notes that are perceived as a single entity, often forming the main theme of a piece of music. It can convey a wide range of emotions and is often what listeners remember most about a song or composition.

In the context of music, harmony refers to the combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously to create a pleasing sound. While harmony supports and enriches a melody, it does not describe the sequence of pitches itself.

A scale is a collection of notes ordered by pitch, usually within an octave, and is not in itself a recognizable musical idea; it serves as a framework for creating melodies and harmonies.

Rhythm pertains to the timing and duration of notes and sounds in music. While rhythm is crucial for the overall structure of a piece, it does not specifically relate to the sequence of pitches that forms a melody.