major key

American  

noun

Music.

1. a key whose essential harmony is based on the major scale.

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Etymology

Origin of major key

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

And while Anglo-American lullabies are typically written in major keys, Gershwin chose a minor one—evoking the depth and dignity of such African-American spirituals as “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The variations, all but three in the same major key, utilize roughly the same harmonic progression, so listeners are lulled by the shared cadence but also dazzled by the inventiveness that masks it.

From New York Times

A “major key” music piece communicates cheer, while a “minor key” mirrors grief.

From Literature

Like it or not, it is a reference, it is a major key holder in music history.

From New York Times

Near the end, the album breaks into a major key.

From New York Times