Tonality Element and Atonality in 20th Century Music

Abstract

This is a descriptive and analytical study, that depends on the qualitative method. Describes a specific phenomenon or an event, by using books and other sources for supporting statements and the required information, presents and analyzes examples. In addition, it presents the steps in how tonality has changed and been used as a technique in 20th-century music. On later stages, the study leaves space for its alternative; Atonality, which means (NO tonality). In addition, it presents the way they are being embodied. In this study, one of the most important elements of musical composition is discussed, which has undergone tremendous changes and developments in the twentieth century. From there, the process of transition from tonal to atonality systems, as well as the causes of its emergence, is examined and exemplified. Due to the lack of resources in Kurdish, the used sources are mostly foreign.

The first part contains the problems, importance, and objectives of the study. The second part presents the definitions and changes that have occurred in classical music in the twentieth century, as well as the most important discoveries of this century, and the systems of atonality and the twelve-tone technique are presented as well. The third section focuses on the element of tonality – atonality-12-tone system) in presenting the necessary information and indicating how to use them in music. In addition, the study includes the implementation of a number of analyses, then, the study ends by presenting the results, recommendations, and list of sources.