atonality Definition
the absence of a tonal center or key in music, characterized by the use of all twelve notes of the chromatic scale without emphasis on any one note or tonal center.
Using atonality: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "atonality" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The composer's use of atonality was controversial at the time.
Example
Atonality became more popular in the early 20th century.
Example
The piece is known for its use of atonality.
Phrases with atonality
12-tone technique
a method of musical composition that uses a series of all twelve notes of the chromatic scale in a specific order, often associated with atonal music
Example
The composer used the 12-tone technique to create an atonal piece of music.
a method of musical composition that uses a series of values to determine various elements of a piece, often associated with atonal music
Example
The composer's use of serialism resulted in an atonal composition.
a lack of harmony among musical notes, often used in atonal music
Example
The piece was characterized by its use of dissonance and atonality.
Origins of atonality
from German 'Atonalität', coined by Arnold Schoenberg in 1908
Summary: atonality in Brief
'Atonality' [ey-toh-ney-li-tee] is a musical term that refers to the absence of a tonal center or key in music. It is characterized by the use of all twelve notes of the chromatic scale without emphasis on any one note or tonal center. Atonality became more popular in the early 20th century, and is often associated with the 12-tone technique, serialism, and dissonance.
