CBC radio 2 still has goodness left in it, witness the Signature Series.  A string of programs that explore popular conceptions of music written in specific key signatures.  Today’s interlude will feature the key of G minor and songs that are written in that specific key.  The downside to this series is that the musical bits do not embed in wordpress properly, so you will have to go the CBC to listen to the music and enjoy the commentary.  However, I can steal what is written about each key signature from the blog.  Hence the copypasta below:

G minor: The Contrarian (follow link to play)

Also known as:
The Moody Teenager.
The Complicated Man.

G minors you might know:
Captain Ahab from Moby Dick.
Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye.
Pete Campbell from Mad Men.

The notes: G – A – B♭ – C – D – E♭ – F♯ – G.

Number of flats: two.

Relative major: B-flat major.

What they said about G minor in the 18th century:
“Discontent, uneasiness, worry about a failed scheme; bad-tempered gnashing of teeth; in a word: resentment and dislike.” – Christian Schubart, 1784

“It is suited to frenzy, despair, agitation.” – Francesco Galeazzi, 1796

More G minor listening:
Dido’s Lament from Dido and Aeneas by Henry Purcell.

Der Erlkönig by Franz Schubert.

The Canadian connection:

“Your Rocky Spine” by Great Lake Swimmers.