tonality

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to·nal·i·ty / tōˈnalitē/ • n. (pl. -ties) 1. the character of a piece of music as determined by the key in which it is played or the relations between the notes of a scale or key. ∎  the harmonic effect of being in a particular key: the first bar would seem set to create a tonality of C major. ∎  the use of conventional keys and harmony as the basis of musical composition. 2. the color scheme or range of tones used in a picture.

tonality , in music, quality by which all tones of a composition are heard in relation to a central tone called the keynote or tonic. In music that has harmony the terms key and tonality are practically synonymous, embracing a hierarchy of constituent chords, and a hierarchy of related keys. Some relationship to a tonic is characteristic of all music except that in which it is deliberately avoided (see atonality and serial music ). The term tonality is also used in contrast to modality (see mode ).

tonality Harmonic system that underpins most Western music from the 17th century to the 20th century, using the twelve major and minor scales. The notes of the scale, and their corresponding chords and harmonies, have their own hierarchy around the central key note. See also atonality;harmony

tonality. Key, meaning particularly observance of a single tonic key as basis of comp., thus, bitonality, use of 2 keys at once; polytonality, use of several keys at once; atonality, loyalty to no key.

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