In which scale is Oil on Canvas?

[amc252]

Hello,

I'm a beginner trying to learn Oil on Canvas by David Sylvian.
Can someone tell me in which scale is the attached music sheet?
I thought it was F# but it doesn't seem so.

Thanks.

[lelle]

Some pieces start in one key and end in another. This is one of those pieces. It's not common in classical music, but this seems like a more contemporary piece, so it's not too strange.

In the sheet music you have supplied, I would say it opens in d sharp minor, and ends with an A major chord.

[keypeg]

I agree with Lelle.  I played it through yesterday.  It seems to be one of those pieces that sort of paint moods, with the harmonies (chords) constantly changing colours.  I don't think you should try to think of it in terms of formal classical analysis. 

When you said "which scale" - what you are asking about is "which key" the music is in.  (The subject line threw me for a moment.)

[amc252]

Hello,
thanks a lot for the prompt reply.
Yes, it is contemporary and definitely a piece that works on emotions or colors rather than structure.
Since is the first piece I'm learning, I hadn't considered that it might start in one key and end in another. That's interesting.
And of course, when I said 'scale' I meant 'key', LOL. My music laxicon is still rather coarse.