<11. Vivace Scherzando>

Children worldwide are playing this prelude on online video platforms. Listening to performances reveals that tempo and articulation are crucial in this prelude. The overall tempo might tend to slow down, possibly due to the 32nd-note cadenza passage starting from measure 13. With eight notes per beat, one might wonder if this section serves as the basis for setting the overall tempo. In any case, the tempo of this prelude must be light and fast.

This prelude, too, is music related to buffoonery, a characteristic depiction of clowns that Kabalevsky excels at. It should be played joyfully and with plenty of humor. However, when comparing this prelude to No. 9, which also depicts buffoonery, No. 11 proceeds straightforwardly, unlike No. 9, which allows for free rubato.

Therefore, the aforementioned 32nd-note cadenza sections (first: measures 13-20, second: measures 34-41) should also proceed in tempo without slowing down. One might tend to think that setting a fast tempo at the beginning would strain these cadenza sections, but this is not the case.

Practice Methods for the Cadenza Sections:

• First, during practice, firmly strike each 32nd note deep into the keybed, practicing slowly and with deliberate force on each individual note.
• Set fingerings for both hands so that finger 1 is neither crossed over nor tucked under (e.g., 5432, 4321, 1234, etc.).
• Once proficient, gradually increase the speed. When finally playing at the desired fast tempo, these 32nd notes should be played almost like a glissando. Do not overly concern yourself with evenness or consistency; play them in one swift motion.

Another point of attention is articulation. Play the entire piece with short, crisp staccatos. All staccatos attached to eighth notes should be cut short. However, staccatos attached to quarter notes, such as in measure 11, should ideally sustain the sound slightly longer than those on eighth notes. Some performers extend these quarter-note staccatos quite long, but either approach is acceptable.