Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich ： 3 Fantastic Dances Polka Op.5-3

The third and final piece in Shostakovich’s *3 Fantastic Dances*. Centered on the light, crisp rhythm of a polka, it combines bright movement with a sense of wit and a slightly sharp humor. Even within its brevity, changes in rhythm and dynamics create contrast and give the music shape. In performance, maintain the forward momentum of the beat while making the staccatos and accents clear without losing the lightness. Avoid exaggerating the dynamic contrasts, and keep the individual notes even to bring out the piece’s vitality and playful character.