The number of sharps in a key signature increases, as we move through what is known as ‘the cycle of 5ths'. Count up five notes from the note C, and you get to G - G major contains 1 sharp. Count up ...

Count up another five notes, and you get to the note D - D major contains 2 ... note that they prefer working in sharp key ...

This is known as the relative minor. So G major, for example has a key signature of one sharp, but this is also the key signature for E minor. To find this, just count down three semitones (count ...

C major is the beginner’s key, right? No key signature to occupy the mind ... our B flat allegros, and (heaven help us) D sharp minor toccatas. It all got a certain pianist thinking... what if we ...

Make sure your ears are well-peeled – this Ligeti piece has a horribly confusing key signature that might just fry your musical ... The pitches in the ‘Valse’ are A, B flat, F sharp, G and the new ...