The spelling of the word "more atonal" is straightforward once you know its pronunciation. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it is transcribed as /mɔːr əˈtəʊnəl/. The first syllable is pronounced with an open 'o' sound, as in 'or', followed by the 'r' sound. The second syllable begins with a schwa sound, and the stress falls on the second syllable. Finally, the word ends with '-al', pronounced with a neutral vowel sound, not as a separate syllable.
More atonal refers to a musical concept characterized by an increased level of atonality or lack of tonality. Atonal music is a composition style that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily associated with Arnold Schoenberg and his disciples. This unique approach challenges the conventional harmonic principles that have dominated Western music for centuries. In traditional tonal music, a central key or tonal center provides a sense of stability and structure. However, in atonal compositions, this tonal center is deliberately absent or deconstructed, leading to the absence of a clear tonal hierarchy.
When describing something as "more atonal," it indicates a heightened degree of atonality within a musical piece or style. It suggests a further departure from traditional tonal frameworks and a greater exploration of dissonant, unconventional, and unpredictable harmonies. More atonal music often features a level of dissonance that may sound jarring or challenging to the ear, as it lacks the traditional sense of tonal resolution and stability. It may employ techniques such as the twelve-tone system, serialism, or free atonal techniques to achieve a more extreme departure from tonality.
Overall, the term "more atonal" describes a musical context that pushes the boundaries of tonality even further, embodying an increased level of dissonance, complexity, and departure from traditional harmonic structures.
The term "atonal" is derived from the German word "atonal", which was first coined by Arnold Schoenberg in the early 20th century. It combines the prefix "a-" meaning "without" or "not", and the word "tonal", referring to the traditional tonal system of Western music. Schoenberg used the term to describe a new form of music that did not follow the traditional tonal hierarchy of chords and melodies.
The phrase "more atonal" is simply an adjective formed by adding the word "more" to "atonal". It is used to describe music or compositions that are even further removed from tonality compared to other atonal pieces. The word "more" conveys a comparative degree, indicating an increased level of atonality.