What is "polytonality"

n. (context music English) The use of multiple keys in the same composition, especially by multiple instruments at the same time

n. music that uses two or more different keys at the same time [syn: polytonalism]

Polytonality (also polyharmony ) is the musical use of more than one key simultaneously. Bitonality is the use of only two different keys at the same time. Polyvalence is the use of more than one harmonic function, from the same key, at the same time .

Some examples of bitonality superimpose fully harmonized sections of music in different keys.