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.
A Key of Elation and Contemplation
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
