9. Gavotte

First, learners should discuss with their teacher what the term 'Gavotte' signifies. The Gavotte is one of the dance forms from the Baroque era. It has established basic steps. Please search for 'Gavotte dance' on video-sharing sites; you will likely be able to see an authentic Gavotte.

By doing so, you should be able to grasp the approximate tempo. Watching the videos will likely reveal that it is by no means a heavy dance. A certain degree of lightness is also required.

This Gavotte by Gurlitt, I believe, does not contain many technically difficult passages. Rather, its challenges are more musical in nature.

The form is ternary (three-part form):

• A: bars 1-8
• B: bars 9-16
• A': bars 17-end

Let's first examine bars 1-8. These can be divided into two sections: bars 1-4 and bars 5-8. Observing these two phrases, you will notice that the highest note in each is written in bar 3 and bar 7, respectively, accompanied by crescendo and diminuendo markings. Therefore, bars 3 and 7 will be dynamically larger.

Now, let's look at the right-hand melody leading up to these points. The same melody repeats twice: in bars 1-2 and bars 5-6. However, observe the left hand. You will notice that the bass notes ascend stepwise as the piece progresses through the bars. This implies that the tension is higher in bar 2 than in bar 1, and higher in bar 3 than in bar 2, creating a gradual increase in tension towards bars 3 and 7.

Now, while the volume increases towards bars 3 and 7, the question is by how much. Essentially, no markings other than 'p' are written in bars 1-8. I believe it is appropriate to interpret the dynamic changes as occurring 'within the range of p'.

In the B section, bars 9-12 also gradually increase in volume, reaching a peak at bar 12. Regarding the dynamics in bars 13-15, you may apply a crescendo towards bar 15, or a diminuendo. Please play it according to your own musical feeling.

When returning to the beginning with D.C. and ending at bar 8, unlike the first time, allow for just a slight prolongation of time before concluding.