Comments on the B section Grade 2 2019 - 2020 ABRSM piano examination
Burgmuller, Arabesque, No. 2 from 25 etudes faciles et progressive, Op. 100
This is such a happy and energetic piece that belies the fact that it is in A minor. The player needs to have excellent technical skills to play the semiquaver patterns at the speed required, as there is a danger that these patterns could become uneven. Burgmuller has provided many details in regards to the articulation and dynamics, which help tremendously with the interpretation of the piece. This is a sparkling piece, which requires confidence from the player because of the rapid changes of position.
Kabalevsky, Waltz No1. 13 from 24 Easy Pieces, Op.39
This piece has a similar character to the Plaintive Waltz that is in the same list however the RH has the melody in this piece. RH balance is demanded in this piece with the RH at times is required to have a slightly intense sound which must not be harsh. The slurs that Kabalevsky has marked in contribute to the character of the music. Most of the time the LH needs to be quietly supportive of the RH however in the last phrase, it contributes to the RH's melody.
Vitalij Neugasimov, Lazy Bear: from Piano Sketches, Book 1
Here is a wonderful opportunity to develop a rich and resonant tone in the LH when playing this very descriptive piece. The player will need to have an image in their mind of what the bear is doing when playing this music. The composer has provided many details that will enhance the playing of the music. It may be a little unsettling for the players with its changes of position and having the hands often a distance apart.
Beethoven, nel cor piu, arr Fly, With the Immortals
This is a lovely version of a well-known piece of music that will appeal to many. The music needs to be played very legato and this will help to create the illusion that the player is using pedal. The player will need to play the RH with a rich and cantabile tone that sings out over the LH. Because the music is in compound time, the LH could place a small emphasis on the first note of the sets of three quavers.
Gurlitt, Night Journey, No 65 from The First Steps of the Young Pianist, Op. 82
This piece is guaranteed to appeal to many players with its rich and resonant LH and its dramatic character. Although the RH is the accompaniment, it does help to contribute to the melody of the LH and to the overall character of the music. This is an excellent opportunity to develop rubato playing skills by playing this piece. Let this piece by generated by a dramatic story in the mind of the player whilst playing it.
Somervell, Plaintive Waltz (from Holiday Pictures), A Romantic Sketchbook for Piano Book 1
The title of the music provides an excellent clue as to the character of the music. It requires of the player excellent listening skills when playing the accompanying chords, as these must not swamp the music. The player will need to have good melodic balancing skills between the hands. Tone-matching skills will be necessary in the melody, especially where there are dotted crotchets and quavers. There are a number of articulation and dynamic markings written in by the composer which aid the interpretation of the music well to which the player can add a few more.