Tonalisuus

Tonalisuus is a term used in music theory to describe the organization of musical elements around a central note, known as the tonic. It is a fundamental concept in Western music that has been prevalent since the 17th century. Tonal music is characterized by the establishment of a key, which provides a context for the hierarchy of pitches, chords, and harmonies.

In tonal music, the tonic serves as the focal point or the "home base" for the melody and harmony. Other notes and chords in the piece derive their meaning and stability from their relationship to the tonic. This relationship creates a sense of tension and resolution, which is a key aspect of tonal music's expressive power.

The concept of tonal center is not always fixed; it can shift throughout a piece, creating a sense of modulation or change in key. This technique adds variety and interest to the musical composition. Tonal music also employs scales, such as the major and minor scales, which provide a framework for the pitches used in a given key.

The dominance of tonal music in Western classical music began to wane in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the rise of impressionism, modernism, and atonality. However, tonal music remains a cornerstone of many musical genres, including pop, rock, jazz, and folk music. Understanding tonal concepts is essential for composers, performers, and music theorists, as it provides a foundation for analyzing and creating music.