Instruments simultaneous playing in a different key
I am learning to play the piano using Bartok's Mikrokosmos. Piece 44 is written for 2 pianos, but the first piano is playing in a different key than the second piano.
What are the keys the pianos are playing in?
How does this work (how does it sound good)?
Is there other music that uses multiple keys simultaneously ?
(2)2 Comments
Sorted by latest first Latest Oldest Best
there are actually no different keys:
Piano I is for the beginner
Piano II is the teacher's part
Both parts are in E major (until measure 12, where after he goes poly tonic)
But as in Piano I there is no D# and A# to play - Bartok doesn't notate them! ...
probably to make the beginner to focus on the 2 black keys for the matching fingers. This was certainly a pedagogical intention.
While Schoenberg was escaping from Common Practice harmony into serialism, Bartok was experimenting with modes and polytonality. (In this piece, he's using both!) He chose to use non-standard key signatures - not always terribly helpful in the pieces where he constantly mixed his modes!
If you're interested in 'Bartok Theory' dip into this: open.bu.edu/bitstream/handle/2144/6387/Horan_Mother_Annunciata_%201957_web.pdf?sequence=3
See also Strange key signature?
Terms of Use Privacy policy Contact About Cancellation policy © freshhoot.com2025 All Rights reserved.