Post-tonal theory

Post-tonal theory is a branch of music analysis that studies music beyond traditional tonal centers like major or minor keys. It explores compositions that use complex, ambiguous, or atonal structures where no single pitch or set of pitches clearly dominates. Instead, it examines how composers create coherence using alternative frameworks such as pitch collections, serialism, or innovative harmonic relationships. This approach helps us understand the organization, mood, and expressiveness of modern and experimental music that doesn’t follow conventional tonal rules, revealing new ways of hearing and analyzing sound.