[Smt-talk] Happy-sad major/minor

[citytenor at aol.com]

An interesting example for classroom discussions of this phenomena is Gluck's aria "Che Faro Senza Euridice" from Orfeo ed Euridice. The first part of the aria is in major and "sounds happy" despite the tragedy that's befallen Orpheus. 

It's only as the piece unfolds that one hears signatures of sorrow and grief (minor inflections) more familiar to many contemporary listeners. 

Best,

Christian Carey

Assistant Professor
Westminster Choir College of Rider University
Princeton, NJ
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