Mily Alekseyevich Balakirev ： Toccata in cis-moll

Built around continuously moving figures, this toccata draws out a sharp sense of momentum and dazzling virtuosity. Amid its uninterrupted motion, contrasting passages allow the melody to emerge and broaden the sonority, easing the tension before the music resumes its larger sweep. A particular point of interest is the contrast between the dense textures created by both hands and the singing lines that rise from them. In performance, it is important not to let the sound become hard by prioritizing speed: keep the rapid figures even while clearly shaping the direction of the melody and harmony. Use the pedal to support the resonance without blurring it, and carefully distinguish the dynamic levels and character of each section so that the work’s sense of structure comes through.