C minor

Somber musical key

C minor is a musical key based on the note C, using a scale with three flats (B♭, E♭, A♭).

The key has a reputation for dramatic intensity and tragic grandeur—Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and his "Pathétique" Sonata are in C minor.

The piece modulates from E♭ major to C minor in the second movement.

Related

classical musicWestern orchestral tradition
piano sonatasExtended solo keyboard pieces
chromaticismUse of non-scale tones
symphoniesExtended compositions for orchestra
string quartetsCompositions for four bowed instruments

fugue · chamber music · counterpoint · dynamic contrast · motif · variations · adagios · Ludwig van Beethoven · Moonlight Sonata · melody · concerto · orchestration · Allegro · cadenzas · concert hall · composer · minuet · virtuosity

Categories

musical keysC major, D major, E major, F major, G major
chordsG chord, A major, B major, C major, D major
minor keys
flat keysB flat major, E flat major, B flat, E flat, D flat

Opposites

modal quality

C minorC major

Key lacking accidentals

A major · D major · G major · E major · B-flat major

tonal center

C minorB minor

Sad-sounding musical key

D minor · A minor · C-sharp minor · E minor

Family

minor, minority, minors, minoring, minored, minus, minimize, minimum, minimal

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Rated G