atonal

[uh-TOH-nuhl]
adjective
atonal
1. In music, lacking a tonal center or key; not written in any specific key or mode
The composer wrote an atonal piece that rejected traditional harmonic structures.
O compositor escreveu uma peça atonal que rejeitou as estruturas harmônicas tradicionais.
2. Relating to or characteristic of atonalism, a musical technique that avoids establishing a single tonal center
Schoenberg's atonal compositions were revolutionary and controversial in the early 20th century.
As composições atonais de Schoenberg foram revolucionárias e controversas no início do século XX.
Atonality is a significant concept in modern classical music that emerged in the early 20th century, particularly through composers like Arnold Schoenberg. It represents a radical departure from traditional Western musical tonality and remains a defining characteristic of contemporary classical and experimental music in both Brazil and internationally.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
twelve-tonenon-tonaltonally ambiguous
Antonyms / Antônimos
tonaldiatonicharmonic

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
atonal
Standard term used in music theory and academic contexts
Portugal
atonal
Same usage as Brazilian Portuguese; technical musical terminology
USA
atonal
Primary term in English-speaking musical academia and composition

Related Words

atonalismatonalityserialismdodecaphonicchromaticmodernism

Related Idioms & Phrases

atonal music
atonal composition
atonal technique
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