polytonality

American  

[pol-ee-toh-nal-i-tee] / ˌpɒl i toʊˈnæl ɪ ti /

Also polytonalism

noun

Music.

1. the use of more than one key at the same time.

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polytonality British  

/ ˌpɒlɪtəʊˈnælɪtɪ /

noun

1. music the simultaneous use of more than two different keys or tonalities

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Other Word Forms

• polytonal adjective
• polytonalist noun
• polytonally adverb

Etymology

Origin of polytonality

First recorded in 1920–25; poly- + tonality

Example Sentences

A silent gaze, like white light being all colors, divulges all things in polyrhythms and polytonality.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2020

It might be closer to call what he was doing polytonality rather than atonality.

From The Guardian • Nov. 5, 2016

As for Charlap and Rosnes, the contrast between his swinging, bebop precision and her splayed, pulsing polytonality is a special treat.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 13, 2011

The harmony is traditional; no influences of atonality or polytonality can be found.

From New York Times • Jul. 5, 2011

Composer Darius Milhaud's urge to giantism began 40 years ago, at a time when he was intriguing the world's musical taste buds with a potage of polytonality sweetened by a dash of essence-of-jazz.

From Time Magazine Archive