atonally
Definition
Adverb 1. In an atonal manner; without a tonal center or key: Describes music or a musical composition that is not written in, or does not adhere to, a specific key or tonal system. It lacks a central note (tonic) around which the music is organized, often using all twelve notes of the chromatic scale equally.
Usage
The adverb "atonally" is used to describe how music is composed or performed. It modifies verbs related to musical creation and execution. * It is primarily used in the context of 20th and 21st-century classical music. * It describes a method or style that deliberately avoids traditional harmonic relationships.
Examples
- Composing/Singing/Playing:
- The piece was composed atonally, creating a sense of tension and ambiguity.
- She sang the modern piece atonally, as the score required.
- The pianist played the challenging section atonally.
Advanced Usage
- Comparative and Superlative Forms: While less common due to its technical nature, the comparative "more atonally" and superlative "most atonally" can be used for stylistic comparison.
- Of the two composers, he writes more atonally.
Variants and Related Words
- Atonal (Adjective): The base form. Describes music that lacks tonality.
- an atonal composition
- Atonality (Noun): The quality or system of being atonal.
- the atonality of Schoenberg's music
Synonyms
- Dissonantly: In a harsh, inharmonious way. (Note: While atonal music often contains dissonance, the terms are not perfectly synonymous. "Atonally" refers to the structural lack of a key, while "dissonantly" describes the sound quality.)
- Chromatically: Using notes outside the diatonic scale. (Note: This is related but not identical; music can be chromatic but still tonal.)
Antonyms
- Tonally: In a tonal manner; with a clear key center.
- Diatonically: Using only the notes of a specific major or minor scale.
Adverb
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without tonality
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he composes atonally
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