Atonality

Definition

Atonality refers to a musical system that lacks a tonal center or key, meaning it does not adhere to the traditional rules of harmony and melody that are based around a specific scale or note hierarchy. This approach emerged prominently in the early 20th century, challenging established conventions and offering new possibilities for musical expression. Composers began using atonality to convey complex emotions and ideas, resulting in music that often sounds dissonant or unpredictable.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Atonality emerged as a prominent feature of 20th-century American classical music, especially with composers like Arnold Schoenberg and his followers who sought to break away from traditional tonal systems.
2. The lack of a tonal center in atonal music allows for greater freedom in composition but can make the music more challenging for listeners accustomed to tonal structures.
3. Atonal compositions often utilize unconventional rhythms, textures, and dynamics, contributing to their unique sound and artistic intentions.
4. Schoenberg's 'Pierrot Lunaire' is a significant example of atonal music that combines spoken word and song, showcasing the emotional range achievable through this approach.
5. The shift towards atonality influenced various other musical genres, including jazz and experimental music, as artists began to explore new boundaries in sound and form.

Review Questions

• How did the emergence of atonality challenge traditional concepts of harmony in early 20th-century American classical music?
  • The emergence of atonality fundamentally challenged traditional concepts of harmony by removing the reliance on a tonal center. Composers began to explore new ways of organizing sound that did not conform to established rules of melody and chord progressions. This shift led to innovative compositions that focused on expressing complex emotions rather than adhering to conventional harmonic structures.
• Discuss how serialism relates to atonality and the impact it had on American classical music composition.
  • Serialism is closely related to atonality as it provides a structured method for composing within an atonal framework. By organizing all twelve tones of the chromatic scale into a series, composers could maintain coherence in their work while exploring the freedom offered by atonality. This method significantly impacted American classical music by inspiring composers to experiment with new forms and ideas, pushing the boundaries of musical expression.
• Evaluate the significance of atonality in shaping the direction of modern music beyond classical genres, including jazz and popular music.
  • Atonality has played a crucial role in shaping modern music by introducing ideas that challenge traditional boundaries across various genres. Its influence is evident in jazz, where improvisation often embraces dissonance and unconventional harmonic progressions. In popular music, elements of atonality can be found in experimental genres that prioritize texture and emotion over conventional melodies, reflecting a broader cultural shift toward embracing complexity and diversity in sound.

Related terms

Serialism: A method of composition that uses a series of values to manipulate different musical elements, often applied in atonal music to create structure and organization.

Dodecaphony: A compositional technique developed by Arnold Schoenberg that involves using all twelve tones of the chromatic scale in a specific order or row, creating a structured form of atonality.

Expressionism: An artistic movement that seeks to express emotional experience rather than physical reality, influencing atonal music through its focus on intense emotional content and individual perspective.