The Sentiments of Key Signatures

 

Every wonder why songs are written in certain keys? Of course, composers need to accommodate the range and tessitura of each character musical keys have always been associate with specific emotions and characteristics, especially with classical composers prior to the 20th century. However, many musical theatre composers still use a specific key signature that alines the dramatic intention of the piece with the affect of certain key signatures. 

In 1806 Christian Schubart's published Ideen zu einer Aesthetick der Tonkunst which described the mood of each key. And it dives deeper much more into major or minor. 

Take a look at these examples from the world of musical theatre (and pop!) that are perfectly inline with the characteristics of the key. 

C Major - Pure, innocent and simple. 

• "Cockeyed Optimist" - South Pacific

C Minor - Declaration of love, but with a sense of lament and longing. 

• "My Funny Valentine" - Babes in Arts

D♭ Major - Somewhere in between grief and rapture. Complicated and usual feelings. 

• "Dont Cry for Me Argentina" - Evita and "If I Loved You" - Carousel 

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(Source of "Ideen zu einer Aesthetick der Tonkunst" - https://wmich.edu/mus-theo/courses/keys.html)