normally used). The scale of C flat major has the following notes: C flat [B], D flat, E
flat, F flat [E], G flat, A flat, B flat and C flat [B].
C flat major is the only major or minor key, other than theoretical keys, which has ‘flat’
or ‘sharp’ in its name, but whose tonic note is the equivalent of a natural note (a white
key on a keyboard instrument).
C flat major is the home key of the harp, with all its pedals in the top position, and is
considered the most resonant key for the harp.
The middle section of Chopin’s ‘Contredanse’ in G flat major is written in C flat major.
B minor
The key signature of B minor has two sharps. Its relative major is D major. Its tonic
major is B major. The natural minor scale of B minor consists of the notes B, C sharp, D,
E, F sharp, G, A and B.
In baroque times B minor was regarded as the key of passive suffering. Schubart
regarded B minor as a key expressing a quiet acceptance of fate and very gentle
complaint something commentators find to be in line with Bach’s use of the key in the St
John’s Passion. Galeazzi wrote that B minor was not suitable for music in good taste.
Beethoven labelled a B minor melodic idea in one of his sketchbooks as a ‘black key’. It
is a common key used in rock, folk, country and other guitaristic styles because the
standard tuning of a guitar causes all the open strings to be scale degrees of B minor. The
Dvo%ák cello concerto is in B minor.
Some piano pieces in B minor:
Chopin: Sonata opus 58 and Mazurka opus 33 no. 4
Liszt: Sonata
Franck: Prelude, Chorale & Fugue
KING OF INSTRUMENTS
The piano, like the organ, is known as the king of instruments. The piano has earned this
title for a number of reasons. Its tonal range covers the full spectrum of any instrument of
the orchestra from below the lowest note of the double bassoon to above the top note of
the piccolo. It has the ability to produce melody and accompaniment at the same time,
and it has a wide dynamic range. It is also the largest instrument, apart from the pipe
organ, the most versatile and one of the most interesting.
KLINDWORTH