Definition

Adjective: 1. Characterized by the avoidance of traditional Western tonality: Describes music that is not based on a specific key or tonal center, lacking the harmonic relationships and resolutions typical of traditional Western music (e.g., major and minor keys). It is synonymous with atonal.

Usage

The adjective unkeyed is a specialized term used almost exclusively in music theory and criticism to describe compositions or passages of music. It modifies nouns related to music, such as piece, section, music, composition, or harmony. * It is a formal, technical term. * It is less common than its synonym atonal.

Examples

• The composer's later work is characterized by unkeyed structures that challenge the listener.
• The transition from a lyrical, tonal melody to an unkeyed section was jarring.
• He is known for his experiments with unkeyed harmony.

Advanced Usage

• Unkeyed can be used to describe the quality or nature of musical elements.
  • The unkeyed nature of the piece makes it difficult for traditional analysis.

Variants and Related Words

• Atonal (adj.): The most common and direct synonym for .
• Atonality (n.): The noun form describing the system or quality of being unkeyed/atonal.
• Tonal (adj.): The direct antonym, meaning music based on a traditional key system.

Synonyms

• Atonal
• Non-tonal
• Keyless (in a musical context)

Antonyms

• Tonal
• Keyed

Adjective

1. characterized by avoidance of traditional western tonality