🇷🇺Mily Alekseyevich Balakirev ： 30 Russian Folk Songs No.6 Kings Sons from Krakow in c-moll

Balakirev arranged this folk melody for piano four hands, bringing together the natural character of a simple song and the rich sonority created by two performers. The piece unfolds through an alternation of passages that bring the main melody to the fore and more accompanimental movement; listening for the passing of the melody between the players and changes of register helps clarify the overall flow. Begin by shaping the melody naturally, with an awareness of its vocal breath, while keeping the inner voices and accompaniment subdued. In a duet, sharing the direction of each phrase and a common sense of breathing—alongside precise ensemble—is the key to bringing out the folk-like directness and expressive character.