Mily Alekseyevich Balakirev ： Berceuse in Des-Dur

A quiet and lyrical berceuse that makes the most of the gentle sonority of D-flat major. A softly singing melody and an accompanying part that supports it like a lullaby sustain the piece as a whole, while the overlapping sounds create delicate shades of color. A highlight is the way the melody naturally comes to the fore within the larger flow, with the character subtly changing as the harmony shifts. In performance, it is important to maintain a steady pulse without disturbing the beat and to shape the melody carefully in a smooth legato. Keep the accompaniment light and restrained, using the pedal to connect the resonance while avoiding harmonic muddiness. Rather than making sudden dynamic changes, express them gradually within a soft tone to bring out the work’s intimate atmosphere.