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Tonality - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Tonality refers to the system of organizing music around a central note, called the tonic, which creates a sense of harmony and key. It shapes the mood and structure of a musical piece.

tonality

/toʊˈnæləti/ /təʊˈnæləti/

Definition:

The character of a piece of music determined by its key or scale.

Synonyms:

key, mode, pitch, harmonic structure

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

atonality, dissonance

Common Collocations:

major tonality, minor tonality, tonal center, tonal harmony, tonal color

Derivatives:

tonal, tonally, tonalist

Usage Tips:

Use "tonality" to describe the harmonic framework or key of a musical composition.

Common Phrases:

tonal center, tonal shift, tonal balance

Etymology:

Derived from "tone," from Greek "tonos" (tension or pitch), via Latin "tonus."

Examples:

  • 1. The song's tonality shifts from major to minor unexpectedly.
  • 2. Jazz often explores complex tonality beyond traditional scales.
  • 3. The composer carefully crafted the tonality to evoke nostalgia.
  • 4. Students analyzed the tonality of Beethoven’s symphonies in class.

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