Atonal

Music that lacks a tonal center or key

Atonal music is a type of music that lacks a tonal center or key. This means that it does not follow the traditional rules of tonality that have been the foundation of Western music for centuries. Atonal music is often associated with the early 20th-century avant-garde and is a significant aspect of modernist music.

History

The concept of atonality emerged in the early 20th century as composers began to explore new ways of organizing sound. One of the most notable figures in the development of atonal music is Arnold Schoenberg, who developed the twelve-tone technique as a method of composing music that avoids traditional tonal hierarchies. Schoenberg's students, Alban Berg and Anton Webern, also made significant contributions to atonal music, and together they are often referred to as the Second Viennese School.

Characteristics

Atonal music is characterized by the absence of a key center, which means that no single note or chord is given more importance than others. This creates a sense of ambiguity and can make the music sound dissonant or unresolved to listeners accustomed to tonal music. Atonal compositions often use complex rhythms, dissonance, and innovative orchestration techniques.

Techniques

Several techniques are commonly used in atonal music:

• Twelve-tone technique: A method of composition that uses a series of all twelve notes of the chromatic scale in a fixed, recurring order.
• Serialism: An extension of the twelve-tone technique that applies the same principles to other musical elements such as rhythm, dynamics, and timbre.
• Free atonality: Music that does not adhere to a specific system like twelve-tone technique but still avoids traditional tonal centers.

Notable Composers

• Arnold Schoenberg
• Alban Berg
• Anton Webern
• Igor Stravinsky
• Béla Bartók
• Pierre Boulez

Impact and Legacy

Atonal music has had a profound impact on the development of contemporary classical music. It challenged the conventions of Western music and opened up new possibilities for musical expression. While atonal music can be challenging for listeners, it has been influential in various genres, including film scores, jazz, and electronic music.

Related Pages

• Tonality
• Twelve-tone technique
• Serialism
• Second Viennese School
• Modernist music
• Arnold Schoenberg
• Alban Berg
• Anton Webern