Atonally is a term used in music to describe a style of composition that lacks a tonal center or key. This means that the music is not based on a traditional system of harmony and melody, but instead uses dissonance and unconventional chord progressions to create a unique and often challenging listening experience.
Definitions
Atonally can be defined as a style of music that is characterized by the absence of a tonal center or key. This means that the music is not based on a traditional system of harmony and melody, but instead uses dissonance and unconventional chord progressions to create a unique and often challenging listening experience.
Origin
The term atonally originated in the early 20th century, when composers such as Arnold Schoenberg and his followers began experimenting with new forms of musical expression. These composers rejected the traditional tonal system and instead embraced a more dissonant and experimental approach to composition.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, atonally means “without tonality or a tonal center.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines atonally as “in a manner that lacks tonality or tonal coherence.”
Associations
Atonally is often associated with the avant-garde and experimental movements in music, as well as with the Second Viennese School of composers, which included Schoenberg, Alban Berg, and Anton Webern. It is also associated with the expressionist and modernist movements in art and literature.
Synonyms
Synonyms for atonally include dissonantly, inharmoniously, and non-tonally.
Antonyms
Antonyms for atonally include tonally, harmoniously, and melodically.
The same root words
Atonally is derived from the root word “atonal,” which is a combination of the prefix “a-” (meaning “not”) and the word “tonal” (referring to the traditional system of harmony and melody).
Example Sentences
- The atonal music of the Second Viennese School is often challenging for listeners who are used to more traditional forms of music.
- The composer’s use of dissonance and unconventional chord progressions created an atonal sound that was both unsettling and captivating.
- Some critics argue that atonal music is too difficult for most people to appreciate, while others believe that it represents an important evolution in the history of music.