🇷🇺Sergei Sergeyevich Prokofiev ： Tales of an Old Grandmother Op.31

The first piece in Prokofiev’s Tales of an Old Grandmother, Op. 31. Centered on a simple, speech-like melody, it allows shadows and a hint of unease to emerge from an otherwise familiar and approachable character. As its concise phrases unfold, the music continually changes expression, and the contrast between quiet passages and more animated sections is one of its notable features. The melody should be brought clearly to the fore while the accompaniment remains restrained, with careful attention paid to rests and the ends of notes. Rather than pressing the tempo, performers should preserve its simplicity while bringing out the colors of the harmony and subtle dynamic changes.