atonal
UK: eɪˈtəʊn(ə)l | US: eɪˈtoʊn(ə)l
adj. lacking a tonal center or key; not written in any specific key or mode (music).
adj. lacking harmony or melody; dissonant.
atonal = a<without> + ton<tone> + al<adjective suffix>
- a-: A prefix of Greek origin meaning "without" or "not."
- ton: Derived from the Greek "tonos" (tension, tone), referring to musical pitch or key.
- -al: A suffix forming adjectives, indicating "relating to."
Etymology Origin:
The term "atonal" emerged in the early 20th century to describe music that deliberately avoids traditional tonal hierarchies (e.g., major/minor keys). The prefix "a-" negates "tonal," reflecting a rejection of conventional harmonic structures. The root "ton" traces back to Greek "tonos," which originally referred to tension in strings (later extended to musical pitch). This word encapsulates modernist musical innovation by linguistically framing the absence ("a-") of tonal ("ton") conventions ("-al").
Schoenberg's atonal compositions challenged listeners' expectations of harmony.
The piece sounded harsh and atonal to those accustomed to classical melodies.
Atonal music often uses chromatic scales to avoid a central key.
Critics debated whether the atonal style was revolutionary or merely chaotic.
Jazz musicians occasionally incorporate atonal passages for dramatic effect.