Music A-Level
Chromaticism
What Chromaticism means in Music A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Chromaticism
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Reference: AQA
The use of chromatic harmony, including applied chords and suspensions, alongside diatonic harmony, involving consonance, dissonance and resolution.
A device used to blur or extend tonality, particularly in Romantic music, alongside diminished seventh and augmented sixth chords.
A feature frequently employed in jazz harmony, alongside extended chords and complex progressions.
Topics that use Chromaticism
- Area of study 1: Western classical tradition 1650–1910 (compulsory) - Musical elements (AQA A-Level)
- Area of study 5: Jazz - Musical elements (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Articulation
- coda
- Expressive techniques
- Glissando
- Harmonic progression
- Instrumental techniques
- Metre
- Polyphony
Using Chromaticism in the exam
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