polytonalism

9.9

The use of two or more musical keys at the same time to make a richer sound

noun
/ˌpɒlɪˈtoʊnəlɪzəm/

Specialized

: politonalismo

The composer's embrace of polytonalism was evident in the simultaneous clash of keys.

Examples

Stravinsky used polytonalism to create a complex and richly textured soundscape.
Many early twentieth-century pieces explored polytonalism as a way to expand musical harmony.
The composer experimented with polytonalism in her latest symphony.
Many modern pieces showcase polytonalism as a technique.
Many early twentieth-century pieces explored polytonalism as a way to expand musical harmony.
Stravinsky used polytonalism to create a complex and richly textured soundscape.
The composer's embrace of polytonalism was evident in the simultaneous clash of keys.

Synonyms

polytonality

vspolytonalism

Specialized

1 9.9

Using two or more different musical keys at the same time

is the term more tied to composed or instrumental use rather than vocals

How Many Keys

polytonalism

Specialized

9.9

tonality

Specialized

1 7.6

atonality

Specialized

1 9.9

Surface Forms

polytonalism singular

polytonalisms plural

Morphology

polytonalism = polytonal (semi-transparent) = poly + tone + al + ism

The noun is regularly formed from the adjective 'polytonal', but the musical-theoretical sense is specialized and may not be fully predictable for a general learner.

Etymology

The word polytonalism comes from poly- meaning 'many', tone meaning 'musical sound or key', and the ending -ism meaning 'practice'. So polytonalism is the practice of using 'many' different musical tones or keys at the same time, which is why polytonal music often sounds like two or more keys playing together.