大象传媒

Presenter Ivan Hewett explores the question of why certain musical keys have become associated with particular moods.

For example, why is A major almost always employed by composers to write optimistic, even ecstatic music?

And how has E minor become the key of choice for portraying menace and tragedy?

Cellist and composer Philip Sheppard defines the qualities of E minor with music ranging from Brahms, Elgar and Shotakovich to The Clash.

Produced by Rosie Boulton.

First broadcast on 大象传媒 Radio 4 in September 2010.