Nikolai Kapustin ： Prelude No.4 in e-moll Op.53-4

Set against the shading of E minor, this prelude generates lively momentum through crisp rhythms and harmonies suggestive of jazz idioms. Its character shifts through short motifs and harmonic changes, creating a compelling contrast between tense passages and more light-footed, flowing sections. In performance, it is important to preserve the resilience within the beat while shaping the figures with clear articulation. Rather than overemphasizing the accents, careful attention to the balance between the hands and to graduated dynamics will bring out the subtle shading within its vitality.