Dmitri Borisovich Kabalevsky ： 30 Children’s Pieces No.12 Toccatina Op.27-12

This is a short, lively piece from Kabalevsky’s 30 Children’s Pieces. In keeping with the character of a toccatina, its crisp motion and light rhythms propel the music forward, while clear sonorities convey agility and a sense of playfulness. The piece proceeds without a major interruption in its flow, with changes in dynamics and accents shaping the expression within its recurring motions. One of its attractions is the momentum created by even, well-defined notes rather than speed alone, along with the changes in energy from one passage to another. In performance, it is important to keep the wrists and arms relaxed and to handle the small figures lightly and accurately. Balancing the hands, avoiding exaggerated accents, and maintaining a sense of direction in the short phrases will bring out the music’s bright and lively character.