Re: [Harp-L] Just what exactly is 'key'?

[Arthur Jennings <timeistight@xxxxxxxxx>]

On Mon, May 9, 2011 at 8:54 PM, <sheltraw@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Hi Authur
>

A*r*thur

>
> Are you suggesting that all modal tunes are not "in a key"?
>

No, I'm not, but information about modes may be helpful in performance.

>
> What is the relationship between notated key signatures and the key of a
> tune?
>

Where a key signature is given, it should indicate the overall key of a
piece.

>
> Cheers!
>

Some tunes stay in a single key throughout. Many tunes change keys briefly
(modulate) but then return to the original key at the end. A few tunes use
final modulation (aka the truck driver gear shift; google it)  and shift to
a new key at the end of a tune.

There are pieces that purposely avoid tonality all together, but they don't
get very far up the hit parade.

>
>
> > Impressions is a modal tune on the same changes as "So What?". As such,
> > it's more appropriate to talk about modes (D dorian and Eb dorian) than
> > key, but I'd notate in D minor.
>
>
>


-- 
Arthur Jennings
http://www.timeistight.com