Key

Key, in Music, the series of notes, or scale, in which modern music is written. Each note on the stave may form the tonic or keynote of a scale, which is called after the name of that note (see MUSIC). A piece is said to be in such and such a key when that key predominates throughout; and the tonic harmony of the key is always to be found at the close of the piece, unless it leads to some further movement. It is held by many that each of the various keys has a character, or colour, as it is termed, of its own. In connection with music, the name key is also given to the levers by which the pianoforte, organ, &c. are played; to the levers on wind-instruments for opening or closing certain of the sound-holes; and to the wrist used for tuning the pianoforte, drum, &c.