chromaticism
Noun
Meaning
the quality or state of being chromatic
the act or action of chromaticizing: the use of chromatic notes or tones (contrasted with diatonicism)
excessive chromaticism means excessive increase in harmonic tension -- Mosco Carner
Synonyms
Examples
Chromaticism in Parsifal Many music theorists have used Parsifal to explore difficulties in analyzing the chromaticism of late 19th century music.
Head describes the work as unique in its time for its compact intimacy, and considers it Holst's most successful attempt to end the domination of Wagnerian chromaticism in his music.
New forms of chromaticism and dissonance were introduced into jazz, and the dissonant tritone (or "flatted fifth") interval became the "most important interval of bebop" Joachim Berendt.
The innovative use of chromaticism by his contemporaries and associates Chopin and Wagner had little effect on Berlioz's style.