Ernst von Dohnányi ： 6 Pieces Ländler Op.41-5

The fifth piece, “Ländler,” from Dohnányi’s 6 Pieces draws on the rustic character of a traditional dance while allowing the listener to appreciate its refinement and familiarity. A key attraction is the way the character shifts through the changing roles of melody and accompaniment and through harmonic changes, while the dance-like flow remains intact. Performers should shape the overall breath broadly, avoid exaggerating any rhythmic sway, and keep the accompaniment light so that the melody can sing naturally. Carefully distinguishing the tone colors and dynamics of each passage, while maintaining the dance’s atmosphere to the end, brings out the elegance within its simplicity.