The tonality
Example: The tonality of the piece shifts subtly throughout the composition.
Definition
"The tonality" in music refers to the system or organization of pitches and chords within a piece that establishes a central key or tonal center, guiding the harmonic and melodic structure and influencing the overall mood and direction of the composition.
Etymology
The word "tonality" derives from the Latin root 'tonus,' meaning 'tone' or 'sound,' combined with the suffix '-ality,' which denotes a state or quality. It first appeared in English in the 18th century, reflecting the concept of musical keys and the relationships between pitches that define the harmonic framework of music.
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"The tonality" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - Music - (C2) - set 1", containing 99 commonly used words.
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