The key
Example: She played the key of C in the piano song.
Definition
"The key" in music refers to the group of pitches, or scale, that forms the basis of a music composition. It determines the tonal center and harmonies, such as the key of C, guiding the melody and chord progressions within a piece.
Etymology
The term "the key" in music originates from the concept of a key as something that unlocks or opens. In music, it metaphorically 'unlocks' the tonal framework of a piece. This usage dates back to the 17th century when musicians began referring to the main scale of a composition as its 'key,' similar to how a physical key opens a door.
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"The key" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - Music - (A2) - set 1", containing 102 commonly used words.
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