The resurgence of tonality in late 20th-century music challenges the notion of its demise and reopens fundamental questions about music's technical, artistic, and cultural foundations. This volume investigates the complex debate surrounding tonality, exploring its return to key, pitch center, and consonance in recent decades. It examines how this revival has intensified discussions on music's acoustical-theoretical bases and broader metaphysical meanings, offering a new perspective that counters the marginalization of tonal practices by some music historians. The essays cover a wide repertoire from both concert and pop/rock music, demonstrating the diverse approaches to tonality by various influential musicians.

This collection offers a vital re-evaluation of tonality's role in post-1950 music, challenging established narratives that often marginalized its resurgence. The essays provide a comprehensive overview of the ongoing discussion, drawing on a wide range of musical examples from both classical and popular genres. By examining the diverse ways musicians have engaged with tonality, the volume highlights its enduring significance and complex cultural meanings. It serves as an important resource for understanding the historical continuities and theoretical debates that have shaped contemporary music.