🇷🇺Mily Alekseyevich Balakirev ： 30 Russian Folk Songs No.23 Entered the Garden in d-moll

This miniature for piano four hands brings out the character of a Russian folk melody. A songlike principal line forms the center of the piece, while the contrast between melody and accompaniment creates nuanced expression within its simplicity. Listening for the melody as it passes between the two parts reveals the exchange and changes of tone made possible by four-hand writing. In performance, the melody should be allowed to sing while the accompaniment remains light, with care taken not to cloud the sound with the pedal. Coordinating the players’ breathing, phrase endings, and subtle tempo flexibility brings out the folk-like naturalness and delicate feeling.