Which term describes the use of two different keys at the same time?

Which term describes the use of two different keys at the same time?

• A. Bitonality
• B. Canon
• C. Cantabile
• D. Coda

Answer: (A)

Two different keys sounding at once is called bitonality. In bitonality, one part or voice may outline one key center while another part clearly implies a different key, creating a layered, two-key texture rather than a single tonal center. This matches the idea described in the question, where two keys are active at the same time. The other terms refer to related but different ideas: a canon is a rule-based imitation of a melody in different voices; cantabile means played in a singing, lyrical style; a coda is a concluding section that brings the piece to a close.

Two different keys sounding at once is called bitonality. In bitonality, one part or voice may outline one key center while another part clearly implies a different key, creating a layered, two-key texture rather than a single tonal center. This matches the idea described in the question, where two keys are active at the same time.

The other terms refer to related but different ideas: a canon is a rule-based imitation of a melody in different voices; cantabile means played in a singing, lyrical style; a coda is a concluding section that brings the piece to a close.