Treasures for Piano - A Guide for Teachers

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Composer

Kabalevsky, Dmitri

Title

SIx Variations on a Ukranian Folk Song Op. 51, no. 5

Era

3

Level

6

Key

A Minor

Meter

2/4

Tempo

Medium

Measures

97

Highlights

Articulation,Dynamic contrast,Finger independence,Fortissimo,Hand independence,Intervals blocked,Intervals blocked legat

Comments on Piece

These variations are more difficult than they appear. The Theme requires a deep legato and singing tone. The two hands must play in different articulations. In the first variation, the theme is interspersed between the hands with the theme appearing in the inner voices. The mood is lighter and faster. Variation no. 2 deals with leaping sixteenth notes in the right hand, above two-note slurs in the left hand. It also has a slight ornament that takes special attention. In the third Variation a scooping triplet motion is required throughout. In Variation no. 4 the theme appears in the inner voices between the hands, similar to the first variation, only with a marcato indication and accents. This Variation needs real \bite\ in every attack. In the fifth variation, this is definitely the most difficult variation by far due to the double thirds. The final variation ends pianissimo and is partly anti-climactic. This variation requires control of dynamics, touch and a differentiation in articulation.

Teaching Tips

To teach the student to play cantando in the opening, have them sing the top line alone and accompany themselves with the left hand. To work on voicing in the first and fourth variations, have the student curve the thumbs to create a sharper tone. On the second variation small wrist circles are required to avoid accents. The third variation contains triplets, it is required to drop and lift on every scoop. In variation six, it is important to drop on the double thirds and all the slurs are another good chance to drop and lift. This piece in general is an excellent study of changes in mood, contrast, articulation, phrasing, voicing and balance.

Etudes

Image

Audio

Video



	View Piece Composer Kabalevsky, Dmitri Title SIx Variations on a Ukranian Folk Song Op. 51, no. 5 Era 3 Level 6 Key A Minor Meter 2/4 Tempo Medium Measures 97 Highlights Articulation,Dynamic contrast,Finger independence,Fortissimo,Hand independence,Intervals blocked,Intervals blocked legat Comments on Piece These variations are more difficult than they appear. The Theme requires a deep legato and singing tone. The two hands must play in different articulations. In the first variation, the theme is interspersed between the hands with the theme appearing in the inner voices. The mood is lighter and faster. Variation no. 2 deals with leaping sixteenth notes in the right hand, above two-note slurs in the left hand. It also has a slight ornament that takes special attention. In the third Variation a scooping triplet motion is required throughout. In Variation no. 4 the theme appears in the inner voices between the hands, similar to the first variation, only with a marcato indication and accents. This Variation needs real \bite\ in every attack. In the fifth variation, this is definitely the most difficult variation by far due to the double thirds. The final variation ends pianissimo and is partly anti-climactic. This variation requires control of dynamics, touch and a differentiation in articulation. Teaching Tips To teach the student to play cantando in the opening, have them sing the top line alone and accompany themselves with the left hand. To work on voicing in the first and fourth variations, have the student curve the thumbs to create a sharper tone. On the second variation small wrist circles are required to avoid accents. The third variation contains triplets, it is required to drop and lift on every scoop. In variation six, it is important to drop on the double thirds and all the slurs are another good chance to drop and lift. This piece in general is an excellent study of changes in mood, contrast, articulation, phrasing, voicing and balance. Etudes Image Audio Video


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