Ernst von Dohnányi ： 3 Pieces Aria Op.23-1

The first piece of Dohnányi’s Three Pieces, “Aria,” is a miniature that invites the pianist to savor the beauty of a songlike melody. The music unfolds around the melodic line, carefully passing between changes of expression to create a quiet intimacy and a rich afterglow. A particular highlight is the shading created by the breath of the principal melody and the layers of sound that support it. In performance, the melody should be brought clearly to the foreground while the accompaniment remains restrained, with attention given to the high points and endings of each phrase. The pedal should be used without clouding the resonance, while a singing legato and finely controlled dynamics can bring out the work’s inward emotional character.