Dmitri Borisovich Kabalevsky ： 30 Children’s Pieces No.5 Playing Ball Op.27-5

This short piece is marked by lively motion and buoyant rhythms, evoking a childlike scene of play. Within its brief phrases, the driving rhythmic energy and passing of musical ideas keep the music moving forward and create a bright sense of vitality. One of its appeals is the way changes in dynamics and accents broaden the expression without allowing the recurring motion to become monotonous. In performance, it is effective to preserve the flow of the beat, avoid a heavy sound, and use a crisp touch to bring out its lightness. A clear sense of phrase structure, together with a playful nuance in the smaller notes, brings out the piece’s approachable charm.