G minor

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**G minor**
Relative key	B^b major

Parallel key	G major
Enharmonic
Component pitches
G, A, B^b, C, D, E^b, F, G

Also see: G major, or G-sharp minor.

G minor is a minor scale based on G, consisting of the pitches G, A, B♭, C, D, E♭, and F. For the harmonic minor scale, the F is raised to F♯. Its relative key is B-flat major, and its parallel major is G major.

Changes needed for the melodic and harmonic versions of the scale are written in with accidentals as necessary. G minor is one of two flat key signatures that requires a sharp for the leading tone (the other is D minor).

Though Mozart touched on various minor keys in his symphonies, G minor is the only minor key he used as a main key for his numbered symphonies (No. 25, and the famous No. 40). In the Classical period, symphonies in G minor almost always used four horns, two in G and two in B-flat alto.^[1] When Francesco Maria Veracini wrote six Overtures for the Prince of Dresden, the only one he wrote in a minor key was No. 5 in G minor.

In the Baroque era, G minor was considered the "key of tragic consummation."

[edit] Well-known classical compositions in this key

[edit] References

^ H. C. Robbins Landon, Mozart and Vienna. New York: Schirmer Books (1991): 48. "Writing for four horns was a regular part of the Sturm und Drang G minor equipment." Robbins Landon also notes that Mozart's No. 40 was first intended to have four horns.