Bartók Béla Viktor János ： First Term at the Piano IX Andante BB 66

This Andante is a gentle miniature that helps the learner develop a natural musical sense of breathing. Rather than simply following the notes, bringing out the connections between the parts and the direction of each phrase reveals the expressiveness within its concise material. A calm tempo should be maintained from the beginning, with the melody allowed to sing softly while the accompaniment and inner parts remain restrained and well balanced. Carefully shaping the rise and fall of each short phrase, and listening through to the end of every sound, creates a natural flow and quiet charm. The pedal should be used sparingly so that the resonance does not become blurred; an even fingertip touch and subtle dynamic changes bring out the delicate nuance within the work’s simplicity.