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A Key of Elation and Contemplation

In 1876, a musicologist described the key of G Major as a “favorite key of youth… [It] expresses sincerity of faith, quiet love, calm meditation, simple grace, pastoral life, and a certain humor and brightness.” As can be heard from the selections below, it does seem to work well whether one is suggesting elation or contemplation.

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Here are the pieces in the medley: (Click and drag down to highlight and make visible)

Ravel: Piano Concerto in G Major
Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance March No.1
Tchaikovsky: Russian Dance (Trepak) from Nutcracker Suite
Mozart: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik K.525
Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 (mvt. 3)
Offenbach: Can-Can from Orpheus in the Underworld
Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 (‘Pathetique’) mvt. 3
Haydn: Piano Trio No. 39 (‘Gypsy Rondo’) mvt. 3
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4
Dvorak: Symphony No. 8, mvt. 4
Bach: Goldberg Variations – Aria
Grieg: Holberg Suite

Pop Culture The State of the Arts

Written by:

Jeffrey Freymann

Published on 05.11.2018

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