Allassotonic

/ˌæləsoʊˈtɑːnɪk/ adjective

Definition

In music theory, describing a scale or tonality that shifts or alternates between different tonal centers rather than maintaining one.

Etymology

From Greek 'allos' (other) and 'tonikos' (relating to tone). A rare musicological term from 19th-century music theory attempting to describe non-standard tonal systems.

Kelly Says

This word was invented by music theorists to describe the experimental composers who refused to stay in one key—it's basically the musical word for 'wandering!'

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