G major


G major is a major scale based on G, with the pitches G, A, B, C, D, E, and F. Its key signature has one sharp, F. Its relative minor is E minor and its parallel minor is G minor.
The G major scale is:

For orchestral works in G major, the timpani are typically set to G and D, a fifth apart, rather than a fourth apart as for most other keys.

Notable compositions

Baroque period

In Baroque music, G major was regarded as the "key of benediction".
Of Domenico Scarlatti's 555 keyboard sonatas, G major is the home key for 69, or about 12.4%, sonatas.
In the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, "G major is often a key of chain rhythms", according to Alfred Einstein, although Bach also used the key for some -based works, including his third and fourth Brandenburg Concertos. Pianist Jeremy Denk observes that the Goldberg Variations are 80 minutes in G major.

Classical era

Twelve of Joseph Haydn's 106 symphonies are in G major. Likewise, one of Haydn's most famous piano trios, No. 39, and one of his last two complete published string quartets, are in G major.
In addition, G major is the home key of Mozart's Eine kleine Nachtmusik, serving as the tonic for three of its four movements. However, almost none of his large-scale works such as his symphonies or concertos are in this key; exceptions are the Piano Concerto No. 17, Flute Concerto No. 1 and his String Quartet No. 14, along with some examples among his juvenilia.

In popular culture

G major is the key stipulated by Queen Elizabeth II to be used for "God Save the Queen" in Canada. The anthem "God Defend New Zealand" was originally composed by John Joseph Woods in A major, but after becoming New Zealand's national anthem in 1977 was rearranged into G major to better suit general and massed singing. According to Spotify, G major is the most common key of music on the streaming service.