Atonalism is a term that is used to describe a musical style that is characterized by the absence of a tonal center or key. This means that there is no clear sense of a home key or a tonic note, which is a common feature of most Western music. Atonalism has been a controversial topic in music history, with some composers embracing it as a way to break free from traditional tonal structures, while others have rejected it as an unappealing and dissonant style.
Definitions
Atonalism is a term that has been used in a variety of ways over the years, but it generally refers to a style of music that is characterized by the absence of a tonal center. This means that there is no clear sense of a home key or a tonic note, which is a common feature of most Western music. Instead, atonal music is often characterized by dissonant harmonies, unusual chord progressions, and a lack of traditional melodic structures.
Origin
The origins of atonalism can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when composers began to experiment with new tonal structures and harmonic systems. One of the most famous early atonal composers was Arnold Schoenberg, who developed a system of atonal music known as twelve-tone serialism. This system involved organizing all twelve notes of the chromatic scale into a specific order, which was then used to create a new kind of tonal structure.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of atonalism can vary depending on the dictionary or source you consult. Some definitions emphasize the absence of a tonal center or key, while others focus on the dissonant harmonies and unusual chord progressions that are often associated with atonal music. In general, however, atonalism is understood to be a style of music that is characterized by a departure from traditional tonal structures and a focus on new harmonic systems.
Associations
Atonalism is often associated with avant-garde and experimental music, as well as with the modernist movement in the arts. It is also associated with composers like Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, and Anton Webern, who were some of the earliest proponents of atonal music. Some people associate atonalism with a lack of melody or musicality, while others see it as a bold and innovative departure from traditional musical forms.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of atonalism include:
- Serialism.
- Non-tonal music.
- Dissonant music.
- Experimental music.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of atonalism include:
- Tonal music.
- Traditional music.
- Consonant music.
- Melodic music.
The same root words
There are no direct root words for atonalism, but it is related to the concept of tonality, which refers to the organization of music around a tonal center or key. Atonalism can be seen as a rejection or departure from traditional tonal structures.
Example Sentences
- The atonal music of Arnold Schoenberg was a radical departure from traditional tonal structures.
- Some people find atonal music to be dissonant and unpleasant, while others appreciate its experimental and innovative qualities.
- Atonalism is often associated with the modernist movement in the arts, which sought to break free from traditional forms and conventions.
- The twelve-tone serialism system developed by Schoenberg is one of the most famous examples of atonal music.
- Some composers have experimented with atonalism as a way to challenge traditional musical structures and create new forms of expression.