Theodor Oesten (1813-1870)

Theodor Oesten (1813-1870) was a German pianist, composer, and piano teacher from Berlin. In addition to piano and composition, he mastered the performance techniques of a wide range of instruments, including voice, strings, and wind instruments. His works often consist of poetic character pieces that combine brilliant virtuosity with lyrical melodies.

Dolly's Dreaming and Awakening, Op. 202, No. 4

"Dolly's Dreaming and Awakening" is often performed as a standalone piece, but it was originally written as the fourth movement of the six-movement suite Children's Scenes, Op. 202. The piece is written entirely in C major and can be divided into four sections. Each section includes English performance indications, which help the performer imagine the scene (though some editions lack these indications). A notable feature is the pervasive ingenuity, reflecting Oesten's skill as an excellent piano teacher, designed to develop performance technique.

First Section: Andantino

The first section is Andantino. As indicated by the tempo marking "Lullaby (Cradle Song)," the right hand plays a figure in thirds over the left hand's gently arpeggiated chords. This section allows one to learn how to maintain an ideal hand shape while producing a beautiful sound in the upper voice. As a partial modulation using accidentals begins at the end of the section, the melodic quality of the right hand is lost, becoming a repetition of the same note, as indicated by the instruction "Dolly Sleeps." Finally, both hands cross, and the right hand moves two octaves lower. This visually conveys the act of falling asleep.

Second Section: Andante Moderato

The Andante Moderato section, marked "Dolly's Dream," is characterized by its melodic focus. The right hand progresses in two-bar phrases, playing melodies that evoke a doll speaking or singing. As each musical idea shows dynamic fluctuations and a crescendo builds throughout, the section also helps develop musical structural awareness. Furthermore, the transitional modulation to A minor in this section not only suggests being in a dream, detached from reality, but also evokes the ephemeral nature of dreams. The beautiful dream eventually comes to an end, transitioning to "Dolly's Awakening." Although short, lasting only three measures, this passage requires the technique of grasping chords, playing six notes simultaneously, and precise rhythmic counting.

Third Section: Allegretto Moderato

In the Allegretto Moderato section, marked "Dolly's Dance," intricate finger movements such as 16th-note scales and arpeggios are required. However, it is not merely a finger exercise. It depicts a doll joyfully twirling and leaping to a light gallop rhythm.