Tonality (Noun)
Meaning
Any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The composer chose a bright and cheerful tonality for the opening movement of the symphony.
- The song's tonality shifted from a somber minor key to a more uplifting major key in the final chorus.
- The tonality of the jazz standard was characterized by a series of extended chords and altered dominants.
- The pianist's sensitive playing brought out the nuanced tonality of the Chopin nocturne.
- The film score's ominous tonality perfectly complemented the dark and suspenseful mood of the movie.