B Major

A key of velvety warmth, rich in texture and emotion. The scale of B major, numbering all five black keys (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯) and two white keys (B, E), is well-suited to the piano but not suited for orchestral works, because only the SUBDOMINANT of B major (E) is represented by an open string on the violin and double bass. As for brass instruments, they are easier to play in flat keys, which B major certainly is not. Its ENHARMONIC EQUIVALENT, C-flat major, with seven flats, has a certain affinity with the standard tuning of transposing wind instruments. IGOR STRAVINSKY'S The Firebird has a section in C-flat major, a rarity in orchestral music.