The complete absence of a key or tonality is called ______.Multiple choice question.atonalitypolytonalitybitonalitydissonance

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the terms given in the multiple-choice options.
2. Understand the definitions of the terms in relation to musical theory.

Relevant Concepts

1. Atonality: A style of music that avoids establishing a key or tonal center.
2. Polytonality: The use of two or more different keys simultaneously.
3. Bitonality: A specific form of polytonality that involves the use of two different keys at the same time.
4. Dissonance: Refers to a combination of tones that creates instability or tension, but does not specifically relate to keys or tonality.

Analysis and Detail

• Atonality denotes a complete departure from a tonal framework, meaning no key or tonal center is established.
• Polytonality and bitonality involve multiple keys, thus not indicating an absence of tonality.
• Dissonance is related to the quality of sound rather than key or tonality itself.

Verify and Summarize

Upon analyzing the definitions, it's clear that the term that best describes the complete absence of tonality is atonality.

Final Answer

The complete absence of a key or tonality is called atonality.