M&D 172

[Paul Murphy]

Briefly revisiting the topic of the emotional language of keys:

When the emotional resonance of the key of Bb major was discussed, I looked
at some liner notes which associated this key with 'Beethovenian will and
power', but didn't follow up this clue ... now, looking over some of LvB's
works, I note that the 'Archduke' piano trio (op.97), the 'Hammerklavier'
piano sonata (op.106), and the Grosse Fuge for string quartet (op.133) are
all in Bb major, as is the "Credo" movement from the Missa Solemnis (op.
123). These works exemplify LvB's spirit of gravity; here one can locate
what has come to be called the "Promethean struggle" at the heart of LvB's
greatest works.

Cheers,
Paul