die Tonart
key
In music, the tonal center of a piece, determined by a tonic and a mode (major or minor). The key establishes the harmonic foundation.
EXAMPLE
Das Lied steht in der Tonart G-Dur.
The song is in the key of G major.
die Tonart
key / tone
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Meanings
die Tonart
tone
In a figurative sense, the way something is said; the tone of voice or mood of an utterance.
EXAMPLE
Die scharfe Tonart seiner Antwort hat mich überrascht.
The sharp tone of his answer surprised me.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'der Ton' (the tone/sound) and 'die Art' (the kind/type). So it literally means 'the kind of tone', which fits both the musical structure and the tone of an utterance.
EXAMPLE
Die fröhliche Tonart des Liedes passte nicht zu seiner traurigen Stimmung.
The cheerful key of the song did not match his sad mood.
Context clue
You can recognize the musical meaning from words like 'Lied' (song), 'Stück' (piece), 'Dur' (major), or 'Moll' (minor). The figurative meaning refers to the manner of communication and often appears with words like 'Stimme' (voice), 'Antwort' (answer), or 'Gespräch' (conversation).
EXAMPLE
In welcher Tonart ist dieses klassische Stück geschrieben?
What key is this classical piece written in?
Preposition in music
In a musical context, the preposition 'in' is almost always used to indicate the key. A piece of music 'steht in' (is in) a certain key.
EXAMPLE
Der Pianist begann, das Stück in einer anderen Tonart zu spielen.
The pianist began to play the piece in a different key.
Typical adjectives
When referring to tone of voice, 'Tonart' (tone) is often combined with descriptive adjectives such as 'scharf' (sharp), 'freundlich' (friendly), 'bestimmt' (firm), 'ironisch' (ironic), or 'befehlend' (commanding).
EXAMPLE
Er wechselte in eine freundlichere Tonart, als er merkte, dass er zu streng klang.
He switched to a friendlier tone when he realized that he sounded too strict.
Compare with
Tonart vs Ton
tone / clay
Ton and Tonart are both used to describe music, but they do not mean the same thing. A Ton is a single sound, whereas the Tonart establishes the tonal center and thus the harmonic foundation of a piece. Use Ton for a single sound and Tonart for the musical foundation.
Tonart
Das Klavierstück steht am Anfang in einer ruhigen Moll-Tonart.
At the beginning, the piano piece is in a calm minor key.
Ton
Das Klavier spielt am Anfang einen einzelnen tiefen Ton.
At the beginning, the piano plays a single low tone.
In real life
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