🇷🇺Mily Alekseyevich Balakirev ： 30 Russian Folk Songs No.18 Mother Did Not Wish in d-moll

This is the eighteenth piece in Balakirev’s arrangement of a Russian folk melody for piano four hands. Its appeal lies in the contrast between the song-like principal melody and the accompanying part that supports it, with the expressive character of the melody clearly conveyed even within its short phrases. Rather than relying on grand effects, the performance calls for the character of each section to be shaped with care. The player carrying the melody should connect the phrases with natural breathing, while the other should control the volume and pedal to refine the resonance. Aligning the pulse and ensemble allows the performers to bring out its lyrical quality without losing its simplicity.