F-sharp Minor - Characteristics

Characteristics

• Johann Mattheson, in 1713, wrote "F♯ minor, although it leads to great distress, nevertheless is more languid and love-sick than lethal. Moreover, it has something abandoned, singular, and misanthropic about it." On a similar theme, Harry Farjeon wrote that it is the key that Mendelssohn uses when being passionate.
• We cannot well accompany the Devil in any key but F♯ minor – Anon. 1828
• Heavy metal guitarist Michael Angelo Batio has cited this key and F sharp phrygian dominant as his favourite. He has described F-sharp minor as a "demonic" key, giving a dark, evil sound.
• According to The Gregory Brothers, this is the most demeaning and elitist key.