Why would a composer prefer one key to another? For example, why would a composer choose to use F# minor instead of A minor, or Bb major instead of C major?
Zanna Smith
From ancient traditions of Asia (such as South Indian raga, and ancient Greek music) different modes and keys produce different moods. Gregorian chant used this, in addition to knowing which note would be most likely to sound best in a particular male voice (such as baritone or tenor).
From ancient traditions of Asia (such as South Indian raga, and ancient Greek music) different modes and keys produce different moods. Gregorian chant used this, in addition to knowing which note would be most likely to sound best in a particular male voice (such as baritone or tenor). The focal note of the scale chosen would eventually become named the tonic, used for the beginning and ending of the scale (or key). Dorian, or the natural d minor scale, was used more frequently due to the neutrality of its sound, and its centrality for the male voice.
The key of D (major) is a brighter sound on many instruments, whereas the key of B flat, used to construct a few wind and brass instruments, is a mellower sound.