Musical key signatures (e.g., C major, F# minor) each have distinct, stable color associations.
Inducer
key-signature
Concurrent
color
Category
Auditory Visual
Musical key signatures (e.g., C major, F# minor) each have distinct, stable color associations. Jazz pianist Marian McPartland described D as 'daffodil yellow' and B-flat as 'blue.' Franz Liszt reportedly asked orchestra members to play in 'bluer' tones. This form helps some musicians with key recognition.
Ward, J. et al. (2024). Synaesthesia and music preference. Psychology of Music, 53(3).
View publication →Cytowic, R.E. & Eagleman, D.M. (2009). Wednesday Is Indigo Blue. MIT Press.