Atonality

Definition

Atonality is a musical concept that refers to the absence of a tonal center or key, where no single note or chord takes precedence over others. This style emerged in the early 20th century as composers sought to break free from traditional tonal structures and explore new forms of expression. Atonality often leads to music that feels more chaotic and less predictable, which reflects the broader artistic movement of Modernism and its rejection of established norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Atonality was a radical departure from the established norms of Western classical music, challenging listeners' expectations by eliminating a clear sense of resolution.
2. Arnold Schoenberg is often credited with being the pioneer of atonality, particularly through his compositions in the early 1900s that exemplified this approach.
3. The Second Viennese School, which included Schoenberg, Alban Berg, and Anton Webern, was instrumental in developing and promoting atonal music, helping to shape modern music theory.
4. Atonal music can often be identified by its lack of harmonic progression typical in tonal music; instead, it may focus on motifs or thematic development.
5. Despite its challenges, atonality has influenced various genres beyond classical music, including jazz and contemporary popular music, showcasing its lasting impact on musical evolution.

Review Questions

• How did the emergence of atonality reflect the broader artistic trends during the early 20th century?
  • The rise of atonality coincided with significant shifts in art and culture during the early 20th century. Artists and composers were increasingly rejecting traditional forms and conventions in favor of new methods that expressed the complexities of modern life. Atonality's departure from established tonal structures mirrored this trend by embracing ambiguity and chaos, allowing musicians to convey deeper emotional experiences through innovative techniques that reflected the essence of Modernism.
• What role did Arnold Schoenberg play in the development and acceptance of atonality in music?
  • Arnold Schoenberg was pivotal in both developing and popularizing atonality as a legitimate form of musical expression. Through his innovative compositions, he demonstrated how abandoning traditional tonality could lead to new expressive possibilities. His establishment of the Twelve-tone technique provided a systematic approach to composition that further solidified atonality's significance within the broader landscape of modern music. Schoenberg's influence helped pave the way for future composers who sought to explore musical boundaries.
• Evaluate how atonality has influenced contemporary music genres beyond classical traditions.
  • Atonality has had a profound impact on various contemporary music genres, reshaping how artists approach composition. Its principles can be found in jazz improvisation, where musicians often utilize chromaticism and complex harmonies that challenge traditional tonalities. Additionally, elements of atonality have surfaced in popular music as artists experiment with dissonance and unconventional structures, reflecting a broader acceptance of diverse musical expressions. The legacy of atonality continues to resonate today, encouraging creativity and innovation across multiple musical styles.

Related terms

Twelve-tone technique: A compositional method developed by Arnold Schoenberg that involves using all twelve notes of the chromatic scale in a specific sequence or row, avoiding any emphasis on a tonal center.

Expressionism:

An artistic movement that emphasizes the expression of emotional experience rather than physical reality, influencing many composers who embraced atonal music as a means of conveying deep feelings.

Chromaticism: The use of notes outside the traditional scale of a piece, which became more prominent with atonality as composers explored all possible pitches without a tonal hierarchy.