Definition

1. Noun:
   • The absence of a key; alternative to the diatonic system: Atonality refers to a system or technique of musical composition that does not use a central, governing key or tonal center. It is an alternative to traditional tonal (diatonic) music.

Usage

• Atonality is a formal term used primarily in music theory, criticism, and education to describe a specific 20th-century compositional approach.
• It describes the quality or state of a piece of music that lacks a tonal center or key.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The composer's early work moved from traditional harmony toward complete atonality.
  • Some listeners find the atonality of this piece challenging to follow.

Advanced Usage

• "Embrace of atonality": Refers to a composer's or movement's adoption of atonal techniques.
  • The 20th century saw a significant embrace of atonality among avant-garde composers.

Variants and Related Words

• Atonal (adj): Describing music that lacks a tonal center.
  • The atonal passage created a sense of unease.
• Atonalism (n): Another, less common term for the practice or system of atonal music.

Synonyms

• Keylessness: The state of being without a key (a more literal, technical synonym).
• Pantonal: A related term sometimes used to describe music that uses all tones without a hierarchy, though not perfectly synonymous.

Antonyms

• Tonality: The system of arranging musical notes around a central key.
• Key: The specific tonal center of a piece of music.

Noun

1. the absence of a key; alternative to the diatonic system