Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich ： Children’s Notebook No.7 Birthday Op.69-7

Shostakovich’s “Birthday” is the seventh and concluding piece of Children’s Notebook. True to its title, this short, lively miniature conveys a festive spirit through clear rhythms and an approachable melody. Listening closely to the shape of the phrases and changes of register allows its musical character to emerge more vividly. It is important to maintain a light sense of tempo without losing the underlying pulse. Dynamic contrasts should remain natural rather than exaggerated; in singing passages, the melody should be brought out carefully while the accompaniment is kept light and well balanced, allowing the cheerful atmosphere and humor of the piece to come through naturally.