Skip to main content
2 of 3
Updated link to NYPhil score
pr1268
  • 1.4k
  • 11
  • 24

I'm not familiar with Dvorak's Humoresque, but assuming he wanted a section in the parallel minor (i.e. G♭ minor), then a 9-flat key signature would certainly be awkward. F♯ minor is certainly warranted here.

A number of years ago I read a review of Gustav Mahler's 9th Symphony, where the reviewer mentioned the first movement "...alternated between D major/minor..." and the finale "...D♭ major/minor...", so I can't see anything wrong with describing works in an enharmonic context when convenient. For the record, Mahler uses C♯ minor for the parallel minor sections of his 9th's Finale.

While we're on the topic of F♯/G♭, and Mahler, notice how he does this very modulation in his 10th Symphony. Just look at all those accidentals!

(Never mind that Mahler scores a fortissimo orchestral tutti shortly afterward using nine of the 12 tones on the chromatic scale, simultaneously!) :-O

pr1268
  • 1.4k
  • 11
  • 24