Sergei Sergeyevich Prokofiev ： Cinderella Bourree Op.97-9

This piano solo is adapted by Prokofiev from his ballet music, built on the lively dance character of a bourrée, with sharp accents and crisp rhythms driving the music forward. Its atonal sonority creates a distinctive tension, while the quick succession of short phrases and changes of register is another feature to appreciate. In performance, it is important to maintain the forward momentum of the beat, clearly distinguish staccato from legato, and avoid making the accents too heavy. Balancing a light sense of leaping motion with moments of almost chilling sharpness brings out both the dance’s vitality and Prokofiev’s characteristic wit.