is a
Major Scale based on D-flat, consisting of the pitches '''D-flat''', E-flat, '''F''', G-flat, '''A-flat''', B-flat, C, and '''D-flat'''. The notes picked out in bold form the
Arpeggio of D flat major. Its
Key Signature consists of five flats.
The flatted pitches correspond to the black keys of the piano. Its
Relative Minor is
B-flat Minor , and its
Parallel Minor is
C-sharp Minor , since D-flat minor, which would contain 8 flats, is not normally used. Thus, in his Prelude No. 15 in D-flat major,
Frédéric Chopin switches to C-sharp minor for the middle section.
D-flat major is enharmonic to the
C-sharp Major . In music for the
Harp , D-flat major would be preferrrable, not only because of the obvious reason that harp strings are more resonant in the flat position, but also because modulation to the dominant key is easier (putting the G-pedal in the natural position, whereas there is no double-sharp position in which to put the F-pedal for G-sharp major).
Hector Berlioz called this key "majestic" in his 1856 ''Grand Traité d'Instrumentation et d'Orchestration modernes'', while having a much different opinion of its enharmonic counterpart.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky 's Piano Concerto No. 1 is written in B-flat minor, but the famous opening theme is in D-flat major.
