Minor keys are like spice and alcohol?

As a musician myself, I take pride in your recognition of how music and its modes are able to convey emotion to the listener. It is initally what got me involved in this hobby. I wanted on tap emotion!

Maybe I am misreading your post. I have had similar thoughts into the power of the minor keys. When you look even further, the actual key itself was often chosen for a specific mood. For example, D major is often used for "triumphant" music.
Some minor keys are troubling others are downright depressing.
Anyway, I think it has to do somewhat with how we process experience. Good times, like major keys, are enjoyed, sung along with, danced to. Sour times are scrutinized for lessons and for some relished in as they are often when one feels the most real, thrown upon themselves and their own isolation and individuality. I think that's why music written in minor keys are remembered more deeply and often felt more deeply.
I always return to minor keys and am amazed how often the beauty can bring a tear. Can one feel elated by angst...
or am I just a sicko?
Nice post.

Hey Bigsam2,
I like Surfing with the Alien, Big Bad Moon,
One Big Crush.
Most women like Always With Me, Always With You.

Dmurfet

You are hearing exactly what composers want you to hear. :-) The very nature of minor keys allows the composer so many more - musical choices - if you will - simply by the inclusion of alterations within the scalar structure. Major is very restrictive by comparison from a basic structural standpoint.
Congratulations! You really are getting it. :-)

best

paul

I think such tension as Onhwy61 mentions can also be expressed via chord and key changes which are entirely major. Im not sure if that's what you meant by your Mahler example or not. Many times the emotional release felt can be a result of returning (at the end of the piece) to the tonic key from some remote key which is not necessarily a minor one.