ATONALISM Meaning and
Definition
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Atonalism is a musical concept and philosophical movement that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily associated with Arnold Schoenberg and his circle of composers. It refers to a compositional style that rejects traditional tonality, which is the organizing principle of most Western music, and instead focuses on creating music devoid of a perceived tonal center or key. In other words, it challenges the conventional system of harmonic relationships where one pitch or tone serves as a central, stable point of reference.
Atonalists aim to liberate music from the constraints of tonal harmony and explore new possibilities in sound organization and expression. They abandon the traditional major and minor scales, allowing for the use of dissonant harmonies, unresolved tensions, and unconventional melodic progressions. The absence of tonality often creates a sense of ambiguity and instability, challenging listeners to reorient their ears to a different musical aesthetic.
Atonal music can be characterized by its unpredictable and complex sound, with dissonance and chromaticism serving as integral components. It opens up a world of emotional and expressive possibilities, as composers are not bound by the traditional expectations of resolution and consonance.
While atonality has been regarded as challenging or controversial by some, it has had a profound influence on the development of modern music, paving the way for future movements like serialism and free improvisation. Atonalism remains an important aspect of contemporary composition and continues to shape the way we perceive and experience music.
Common Misspellings for ATONALISM
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Etymology of ATONALISM
The word "atonalism" is derived from the term "atonal", which was coined by Austrian-born composer Arnold Schoenberg in the early 20th century. Schoenberg developed the atonal musical style, characterized by the absence of a tonal center or key. He used the term "atonal" to describe his compositions that moved away from traditional tonality. The suffix "-ism" is added to create the noun form, forming "atonalism", to refer to the concept, practice, or philosophy of composing in an atonal style.
Similar spelling words for ATONALISM
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