polytonality

1 9.9

Using two or more different musical keys at the same time

noun
/ˌpɒlɪtəˈnælɪti/

Specialized

: politonidad

Stravinsky is known for his innovative use of polytonality in early 20th-century compositions.

Examples

The piece’s striking polytonality creates a sense of tension and complexity unusual in classical music.
The piece featured stunning polytonality throughout.
Modern composers often experiment with polytonality to achieve unique harmonic effects.
Many modern composers explore polytonality in their works.
The composer explored polytonality in his latest symphony, using multiple keys to create a rich sound.
Her innovative use of polytonality in the jazz piece surprised the audience with its complex harmonies.
In his analysis, he described polytonality as a technique that adds depth to musical compositions.

Synonyms

polytonalism

vspolytonality

Specialized

9.9

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

is the alternative technical term differing only in naming or style

How Many Keys

polytonality

Specialized

1 9.9

tonality

Specialized

1 7.6

atonality

Specialized

1 9.9

Surface Forms

polytonality singular

polytonalities plural

Morphology

polytonality = tonality (semi-transparent) = poly + tone + al + ity

The word is compositionally built from 'poly' and 'tonality', but the musical term is technical rather than fully obvious to an average learner.

Etymology

The word polytonality comes from the parts poly- meaning 'many' and tonality from 'tone' meaning 'musical key' or 'sound'. So, polytonality is about using many different keys at the same time to make rich or unusual harmonies.