POLYTONALISM Meaning and
Definition
-
Polytonalism refers to a musical technique or style characterized by the simultaneous use of two or more contrasting key centers or tonalities within a musical composition. In simpler terms, it involves the combination of multiple different keys or tonalities within a single piece of music.
Traditionally, Western classical music is predominantly based on tonal harmony, where a single key center consistently prevails throughout a composition. However, polytonalism challenges this conventional approach by intentionally juxtaposing different tonal areas to create a more dissonant and complex sound.
Polytonalism can be achieved through various means, such as using different key signatures for different sections of a composition, employing multiple tonal chords in parallel motion, or overlapping melodies and harmonies in different tonal keys. This deliberate clash of tonalities can result in a sense of tension and ambiguity, challenging listeners' expectations and creating a unique sonic experience.
Polytonalism emerged as a significant compositional technique in the early 20th century, particularly in works of composers associated with the avant-garde, such as Igor Stravinsky, Charles Ives, and Béla Bartók. It offers composers a way to explore unconventional harmonic possibilities, expand tonal palettes, and push the boundaries of traditional tonal systems.
Overall, polytonalism represents a departure from the traditional tonal structures of Western music, embracing the use of multiple key centers simultaneously to create rich, dissonant, and avant-garde musical compositions.
Common Misspellings for POLYTONALISM
- oolytonalism
- lolytonalism
- -olytonalism
- 0olytonalism
- pilytonalism
- pklytonalism
- pllytonalism
- pplytonalism
- p0lytonalism
- p9lytonalism
- pokytonalism
- popytonalism
- pooytonalism
- polttonalism
- polgtonalism
- polhtonalism
- polutonalism
- pol7tonalism
- pol6tonalism
Etymology of POLYTONALISM
The word "polytonalism" is derived from the combination of two roots: "poly-" meaning "many", and "-tonalism" which relates to "tonality".
The prefix "poly-" originates from the Greek word "polys" (πολύς), meaning "many". It is commonly used in English to denote multiplicity or plurality, as seen in words like "polygon" (many-sided shape) or "polygamy" (marriage with multiple partners).
The term "tonalism" refers to the system of tonality in music, which is the organization of pitches around a central tonic. It is commonly associated with Classical, Baroque, and Romantic music that follows specific key centers. The word "tonal" comes from the Latin "tonus" or the Greek "tonos" (τόνος), both meaning "tone" or "pitch".
Similar spelling words for POLYTONALISM
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
