chromaticism

[kroh-mat-uh-siz-uhm, kruh-]

noun

Music.

1. the use of chromatic tones.

2. a style in which chromatic tones predominate.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chromaticism¹

First recorded in 1875–80; chromatic + -ism

Example Sentences

But Mr. Haas’s work is much easier on the ear than most Stockhausen—more consonant and not especially taken up with chromaticism.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“It’s certainly not Mozart. It’s more contemporary and plays with crunchier chords. We’re playing with a bit more chromaticism and distorting the rhythm.”

Read more on Seattle Times

One hears a broad swath of jazz history in her playing: boogie-woogie, swing, big-band riffs, subtle chromaticism in her left-hand chords when the band settles into a more modern trio format.

Read more on New York Times

At least there’s joy to be had around the edges, especially in the funky chromaticism of the barbershop quartet, whose rendering of “Sincere” is like a roller coaster that keeps going up and up.

Read more on New York Times

That summer, the two faced off in a formalized set of arguments debating analytical definitions of chromaticism.

Read more on New York Times