Klarinet Archive - Posting 000379.txt from 2003/06

From: "Buckman, Nancy" <nebuckman@-----.edu>
Subj: RE: [kl] Keys and their character
Date: Thu, 12 Jun 2003 10:14:14 -0400

I would seem to me (uneducated where music theory is concerned) that the =
subject of "key" only applies to what is written. If we didn't write =
music, we wouldn't concern ourselves with "keys". "Keys" come into play =
when we actually put the music that we hear (in the head or heart or =
wherever) down on paper. It seems to me that music is written out so =
that the performer is able to perform it best as it lays under the =
fingers or lies within a certain range of notes to accommodate an =
individual's voice, etc. While I understand what people mean when they =
attach emotion to keys, the same key can portray different emotions =
based on the intervals used within the key and those intervals aren't =
necessarily the ones that fall in major or minor progression. I don't =
have the background that would allow me to communicate about this =
subject well. I do, however, understand what Dan is saying and I =
believe that to be that there is a lot more to the use of "keys" than =
just emotional attachment. Personal experience with Beethoven's and =
Chopin's music tells me that many of the pieces these two wrote were =
written because they laid under the fingers on the keyboard easily and =
just would be very difficult if placed elsewhere in the grand staff. =
Some pieces would sound silly if they were played in any other area of =
the grand staff. Like I have said, I don't have the background to =
discuss this very well, but I certainly know what sounds and feels =
right. Because music is so nebulous, I think we need to look at all =
factions and not try to pigeon hole what is theoretical. Does anyone =
understand what I mean?

Nancy

Nancy E. Buckman, Technical Assistant
School of Health Professions, Wellness and Physical Education
Anne Arundel Community College
Arnold, MD 21012-1895 USA
Phone 410-777-2316 Fax 410-777-2233
E-mail nebuckman@-----.edu

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