Anatoly Konstantinovich Lyadov ： Music Box Waltz Op.32

Lyadov’s Music Box Waltz, Op.32 is a miniature that delights with light, finely crafted motion reminiscent of a mechanical music box and the buoyant pulse of a waltz. Delicate repeated figures propel the music forward, while exchanges between short phrases and changes of register bring out a succession of mischievous expressions. Listening for the recurring gestures and shifts in character while following the overall flow reveals the interest of its structure. In performance, it is important to keep the pedal clear and preserve the lightness with a crisp, well-defined touch. Avoiding a heavy triple meter and shaping accents and dynamics with small, agile contrasts brings out the playful charm of a music box spinning round and round.