Compositions or songs written for black keys only?

Question

I was taught to do improvisation by practising playing random tunes using just the black keys on a piano, and although it had a very oriental sound, the tune was quite pleasant if you introduced enough variation when playing.I am wondering if there are any pieces written using only the black keys for piano, or even pieces written for other instruments with the same notes.

Answer 1

It’s sad when people are taught and don’t understand what they are taught. Why would anyone keep that a secret from you? The black keys form a G flat major and an E flat minor pentatonic scale. That should be moved into 11 more keys.

And you must be aware that five notes does not a scale make; two notes are missing from your black key scale.

Sign up for lessons and put and end to your misery.

Answer 2

I have never run into a piece that declared itself an all black key piece. However, transposing as you have done is always cool in my book because I don't have the talent for it and admire those who do. Doing a song on black keys may sound "Oriental" because many other countries music besides western European is based on half and quarter tones. Half tones being the black keys you are talking about and quarter tones even smaller than half steps. They can sound out of tune which can give them a gypsy/ oriental/ foreign sound. If you like this sound, I would try out Thai Gamelan pieces, Indian Sitar pieces and the like from all over the world. Who knows you could fall in love with another countries way of doing music and decide to become an Ethnomusicologist - someone who studies world music and specializes in a certain form or country. Strong programs with masters and PhD include UC Berkley, UCLA etc. Good luck and most of all have fun!!!:)