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What is tonality?

In music, tonality refers to the organization of pitches and chords around a central tonal centre, called the tonic. It is a fundamental aspect of Western music, particularly during the common practice period from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

Key elements of tonality include:

>1.Tonic: The central tonal centre around which the music revolves. It provides a sense of stability and resolution.

>2.Key: A system of tones organized around a tonic, consisting of a set of major and minor chords with specific relationships.

>3.Chord Progressions: The sequences of chords that move towards and away from the tonic, creating a sense of tension and release.

>4.Cadences: Chordal progressions that provide a sense of closure or resolution, such as authentic cadences (V-I) or plagal cadences (IV-I).

>5.Modulation: The temporary shift from one tonal centre to another, adding variety and contrast to the music.

>6.Scale Degrees: The seven notes of a major or minor scale, each with its own function and relationship to the tonic.

>7.Leading Tone: The seventh scale degree, which leads strongly to the tonic and creates a sense of anticipation and resolution.

Tonality creates a sense of cohesion and organization within a musical composition, allowing composers to evoke specific emotions, establish tension and release, and create musical form and structure. It provides a framework for improvisation, analysis, and understanding the historical context of Western music.

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