G Major’s 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.

Here are the pieces in the medley: (Click and drag down to highlight and make visible, or scroll down further on a mobile device)

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

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