Sergei Rachmaninov ： Morceaux de salon “Melodie” e-moll op.10-4

This character piece is marked by a singing melody shaded by the poignancy of E minor. The long-breathed melody in the right hand is closely connected with the accompaniment, centered mainly in the left hand, shaping a flow from quiet melancholy through a gradual emotional intensification to a return to calm. The changing presentation of the melody, register, and harmony provides much of the listening interest. In performance, the melody should be allowed to resonate fully while the accompaniment remains restrained, guiding the music naturally toward each phrase peak. The pedal should be used carefully in accordance with the harmonic changes so that the sound does not become blurred.