Franz Joseph Haydn ： 12 New German Dance No.5 in A-Dur Hob.IX:12

This is an approachable dance with a light, poised sense of meter. Short melodic phrases unfold over a clear rhythmic foundation, while repetition naturally brings the musical shape into focus. A particular point of interest is the contrast between the melody’s unaffected, songful character and the steady movement created by the accompaniment. In performance, maintaining the flow of the beat while allowing a light breath at the ends of phrases helps convey the dance-like buoyancy. Bring out the melody in the right hand, keep the left hand from becoming too heavy, and avoid exaggerating dynamic changes in order to achieve a bright, concise expression.