Kabalevsky, Dimitri : 24 Preludes Allegretto marcato Op.38-15
Work Overview
Genre:prelude
Total Playing Time:1 min 00 sec
Copyright:Under Copyright Protection
Commentary (1)
Author : Ooi, Kazurou
Last Updated: March 12, 2018
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Author : Ooi, Kazurou
15. Allegretto marcato
Kabalevsky's music often features elements of clowning. This piece also exhibits such an aspect. Although a short piece, less than a minute long, its form includes a canon, suggesting two clowns performing an amusing play together.
I believe this piece should generally be performed without breaking tempo in most places. However, there are several moments where the clown makes a mistake and expresses a troubled expression with a downturned mouth. In such sections, it would be good to take a little time, like a cadenza, to separate them from the next section. These sections are:
- Bar 4, beat 2
- Bar 16, beats 3-4
- Bars 26-28
- The final bars 31-32
Try varying the timbre or character slightly in these parts.
For example, the passage in bar 4, beats 3-4, might suggest a trombone or bassoon. Bar 27 might suggest a clarinet. In this way, it is good to think of each scene in terms of an orchestra. Since it is ultimately a clown, the performance must never be heavy. Staccato chords should be sharp and short. Strictly adhere to the articulations and maintain the order of the canon.