Bartók Béla Viktor János ： For Children Revised Edition Vol.1 No.2 Nursery Song BB 53 Sz 42

“Nursery Song” is a miniature built around a simple, approachable melody, making effective use of the repetition and variation of short phrases. Within its concise writing, the singing quality of the melody and the supporting role of the accompaniment are clearly defined. One of its attractions lies in the way the same material moves forward with subtly changing character; the piece’s appeal becomes more evident when its overall flow is felt in small musical units. In performance, keep the melody smooth while playing the accompaniment lightly and discreetly, with careful attention to a steady pulse and natural musical breathing. Avoid exaggerating the dynamic changes, and preserve the tone through the ends of each phrase to create a direct and lively impression.