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

“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.”

From 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.

From 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.

From New York Times

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

From New York Times

Tines’s personal way with a Bach cantata existed somewhere between stately Baroque chromaticism and churning gospel melisma, but it was a distinct pleasure to hear such a rich voice nestle into the bass writing for “Mache dich, mein Herze, rein” from Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion,” despite Nielsen’s pedal-heavy, bizarrely Chopinesque accompaniment.

From New York Times