atonalism

[/eɪˈtoʊnəlɪzəm/]
nounpl: atonalisms
atonalismo
1. A compositional approach in music that deliberately avoids establishing a tonal center or key, rejecting the traditional harmonic hierarchy of Western classical music
The composer's embrace of atonalism marked a radical departure from romantic traditions.
O abraço do compositor pelo atonalismo marcou um afastamento radical das tradições românticas.
2. The principle or practice of composing music without reference to a specific key or tonal center
Atonalism challenged listeners to reconsider their expectations of harmony and melody.
O atonalismo desafiou os ouvintes a reconsiderarem suas expectativas de harmonia e melodia.
Atonalism emerged as a significant movement in early 20th-century classical music, particularly through the works of Vienna-based composers like Arnold Schoenberg. It represented a revolutionary challenge to centuries of Western musical tradition and remains a controversial yet influential approach in contemporary classical composition, studied extensively in music theory curricula in both Brazil and the United States.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
twelve-tone musicserialismdodecaphonismnon-tonal composition
Antonyms / Antônimos
tonalismtonalitydiatonicism

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
atonalismo
Standard term used in music education and theory
Portugal
atonalismo
Used in academic and musical contexts with same meaning
USA
atonalism
Primary usage in American music conservatories and universities

Related Words

atonalatonallytonalityserialismtwelve-tone techniqueArnold Schoenbergmodernism

Related Idioms & Phrases

break free from tonality
venture into atonalism
embrace atonalism
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