Variant key
A variant key or, for short, a variant of a key is a major or minor key of the same name that begins on the same keynote and is based on variant sounds .
They are called in English parallel keys, are not to be confused with the same keys .
For example:
- C major - minor variant: C minor
- F sharp minor - major variant: F sharp major
Variant keys can be used in the following ways:
- To "brighten up" a minor movement in cyclical works (e.g. at the end)
- As the key of the second (slow) movement in cyclical works
- In sets of variations as character variations (minor)
- In songs to change the mood (same melody, change of pitch).
A famous example of the use of a variant key is Beethoven's 5th Symphony : its basic key is C minor; the last movement, the finale, however, is in C major. This effect is illustrated by the phrase Per aspera ad astra ('Through the rough into the light').