7. Andante non troppo

It begins with Kabalevsky's unique and beautiful melody. Although written in a canonic style, it is not a strict canon. However, it begins with two independent voices. To maintain the polyphonic order, the performer should keep the voices independent and play the two voices with different timbres. The theme begins in the right hand from measure 4. This is a remarkably long theme, concluding on A in the third beat of measure 10. A nearly identical passage begins from measure 16.

Regarding this piece, musically speaking, it can be considered to contain “two distinct worlds.” One is very realistic and monotonous. The other is a world of complete dreams. These appear alternately. Analyzing this:

• 1-10 Reality
• 11-13 Dream
• 13-22 Reality
• 23-25 Dream

Please differentiate the mood of each. In the dream sections, it is always required to play pp. Maintain pp regardless of how thick the texture becomes or how many notes are written. Key points are listed below:

• The first three measures tend to be played too fast. To determine the tempo, play measures with many notes, such as measure 11, establish a comfortable tempo there, and then adjust measure 1 accordingly. It may feel unfamiliar at first, but you will gradually get used to it.
• In measure 43, prioritize the melody in the upper voice. The figure in the left hand from beats 1-2 of measure 4 is used later in the dream sections.
• The left hand in measure 9 is where the mood changes. It is acceptable to play with stronger expression.
• In measure 11, you might want to sustain the F# in the left-hand bass on the third beat, but since E# enters, you absolutely must change the pedal. The quintuplet section is an ascending minor second, and taking this measure as an example, the figure becomes E#-F#, E#-F#. Of course, F# is a resolution, so do not play it louder than E#.
• The theme reappears in measure 16, but with more voices involved than in measure 4. You may increase the volume accordingly. Measure 22 is the peak point, so build towards it.
• Always remember to maintain a mysterious quality. It is neither optimistic nor pessimistic. A mystical world unfolds within the narrative, but it is not high-tension.