Atonal



Example: La composició atonal desafia les estructures musicals tradicionals.

Definition


"Atonal" refers to music that lacks a tonal center or key, often avoiding traditional harmonic structures and scales. It is characterized by the absence of a clear pitch hierarchy, creating a sound that defies conventional melodic and harmonic expectations.

Etymology


The word "atonal" comes from the prefix 'a-' meaning 'without' and 'tonal,' derived from the Latin 'tonus,' meaning 'tone' or 'sound.' It was coined in the early 20th century to describe music that does not adhere to the traditional tonal system. Did you know? The rise of atonal music marked a significant shift in composition, challenging listeners' expectations.

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"Atonal" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 99 commonly used words.
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