William L. Gillock ： By the Forest Lake

By the Forest Lake is a picturesque piano miniature that evokes the stillness of a lake surrounded by trees and the gentle movement of its surface. Listening closely to the calmly singing melody and the delicate motion of the accompanying parts allows a spacious landscape to emerge from the layers of sound. It is important to sense the changes in character from one passage to the next, guiding the melody forward while keeping the accompaniment light and transparent. Use the pedal in accordance with the harmonic changes so that the sound does not become blurred, and maintain the flow of the beat even in quiet passages, playing with natural phrasing. Avoid exaggerating the contrasts in dynamics and make use of the resonance to bring out the work’s serene charm.