bitonal

[ bahy-tohn-l ]

adjective

, Music.

1. marked by or using bitonality.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bitonal¹

bi- ¹ + tonal

Example Sentences

Nevertheless, the piece is beautifully scored for 20 instruments, particularly the gauzy opening wash of bitonal strings with delicate harp, violin and flute solos curling over them.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet even here, Puccini’s arias had the greatest effect, as Ms. López’s voice flitted across the ecstatic high notes of the quartet from “La Rondine” and drooped, almost colorless, into the bitonal wooziness of “Amici fiori” from “Suor Angelica.”

From New York Times

Just before the end, darksome bitonal chords began crashing on the harp and piano, like the bell of a phantom cathedral.

From The New Yorker

The mix of bitonal harmonies and exquisite textures was superbly negotiated and displayed.

From The Guardian

Maazel and the Viennese give this mettle tester a commanding reading, capturing the grandeur of its arresting introduction, the suavity of its incongruous waltz and the enigma of its bitonal ending.

From Time Magazine Archive