In what key should it be? (Help with a funeral march)

    
In what key should it be? (Help with a funeral march)    19:43 on Friday, May 5, 2006          

Account Closed
(904 points)
Posted by Account Closed

I have been composing using a computer system for a little while now (about 5 months) and I am going to attempt to compose a funeral march, but I don't know what key to put it in. Any help would be great.


Re: In what key should it be? (Help with a funeral march)    13:09 on Sunday, May 7, 2006          

the_unamed_one
(27 points)
Posted by the_unamed_one

It may sound obvious but try a minor key to create a dark atmosphere. Maybe study some other funeral marches. Marche funebre by Chopin I believe is in C minor (anbody correct me if I am wrong). Hope it helps


Re: In what key should it be? (Help with a funeral march)    19:29 on Monday, May 8, 2006          

imnidiot
(8 points)
Posted by imnidiot

I agree with the unamed one, it should be in a minor key. Experiment with different Keys.


Re: In what key should it be? (Help with a funeral march)    03:16 on Saturday, May 13, 2006          

HeathJ
(30 points)
Posted by HeathJ

Ah but we all know what Beethoven did...! The funeral march movement of the Eroica symphony (no 3) has passages in C major!!! Nobody really knows why he did it but if you listen to it it still sounds awesome. Well that just shows that there's never a 'right' key and it really is worth experimenting. I have to admit though if you're starting out, a minor key with slow tempo will guarantee you a typical funereal effect.


Re: In what key should it be? (Help with a funeral march)    00:56 on Monday, June 12, 2006          

oboedude888
(381 points)
Posted by oboedude888

Don't worry too much about the key. Suppose it might work better lower but that's just my opinion! A minor would be sad but a major could still sound dark and mysterious. Also I think the tempo is more important in your case.


Re: In what key should it be? (Help with a funeral march)    08:50 on Friday, July 7, 2006          

myoung23
(32 points)
Posted by myoung23

I'd go for D minor (which is the key of the Mozart Requiem).

However, from memory Purcell's "Funeral Music" might have been in G minor.


Re: In what key should it be? (Help with a funeral march)    21:50 on Sunday, July 23, 2006          

myoung23
(32 points)
Posted by myoung23

Actually, atonal would be an unique mode to go for.


Re: In what key should it be? (Help with a funeral march)    21:39 on Tuesday, August 8, 2006          

IlikeBeethovenso
ngs

I compose music for the voice, piano, violin, symphony, and have a lot of experience with the different keys. For a funeral march I would strongly reccomend the key of C minor. This key sounds great with music in that catagory. Also, the key of F minor and the key of C minor go very well together if you place it correctly in the composition. I hope this helps!


   




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