Ludwig van Beethoven ： German Dance no.9 Es-Dur WoO 13

This approachable dance piece makes the most of the bright, gentle color of E-flat major. Its light rhythm and well-shaped phrases unfold with a pleasing sense of balance, while the right-hand melody and left-hand accompaniment shape the musical flow. Listening for the repetitions and contrasts within its brief units brings out a refinement beneath its simplicity. In performance, it is important not to press the beats too strongly, but to preserve the buoyancy of a dance and a natural sense of breath. Let the melody sing clearly while keeping the accompaniment light and controlled; leaving a slight resonance at the ends of phrases conveys its cheerful, elegant character. It is also well suited to learners as practice in carefully balancing the hands and shaping subtle dynamics.