Performance Prohibitions

Rather than discussing how to make this piece sound good, I will state prohibitions—things that should not be done.

• Do not slow down the tempo. While one might understand the idea that Allegretto should not be played too fast, this is a piece in 2/4 time, and pieces in 2/4 time from this era are generally fast. Do not perceive it as 4/4 time; perceive it as 2/4 time. If the tempo of this piece is too slow, it will sound very heavy.
• Articulation should be clear. Staccato appears, and it is important to clearly distinguish it from legato. Therefore, strive to play staccato very short and light.

Furthermore, the score the author is referring to has neither a ritardando nor a fermata at measure 22. Some performers take excessive time here, but one should avoid unnecessarily stopping the music.

Also, pay attention to non-harmonic tones in the melody line. For example, the C in the right-hand melody on the first beat of measure 4 is a suspension of the C from the previous measure, making it a non-harmonic tone, and it resolves to B on the second beat. Therefore, play the B more softly than the C. Additionally, the D in the right hand on the first beat of measure 8 is an appoggiatura, a non-harmonic tone, so give it a slight accent, and play the C on the second beat softer and fading away more than the D.