Khachaturian, Aram : *in preparation* *in preparation*
Work Overview
Genre:pieces
Copyright:Under Copyright Protection
Commentary (1)
Author : Ooi, Kazurou
Last Updated: March 12, 2018
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Author : Ooi, Kazurou
2. Ivan Cannot Go Outside Today
A critical consideration in this piece is the issue of tempo. While tempo variations among performers are common in any piece, it is rare to find a piece where the tempo differences are as extreme as in this one. If this piece is indeed a Scherzo, as its title suggests, then even though it is in 3/8 time, the author believes it is appropriate to count four measures as if they were four beats, similar to the approach taken in Scherzos by composers such as Chopin.
In other words, if one performs this piece while feeling it in three beats per measure, the tempo must be extremely slow. And such performance examples do exist. Performers should consult with their teachers, and teachers should listen to as many recordings as possible, to carefully choose the tempo. Incidentally, when the author performs this piece, the tempo is quite fast.
The next important aspect of this piece is that its flow must be smooth. To achieve this, constant dynamic variation is necessary. Now, from this point forward, the author will proceed with an analysis based on personal discretion.
- Measures 1-8: Crescendo towards measure 5, then diminuendo thereafter.
- Measures 9-12: Crescendo and diminuendo slightly more prominently than in measures 5-8.
- Measures 13-16: Diminuendo, because measure 17 becomes subito forte. Alternatively, a crescendo leading to measure 17 would also be acceptable.
- Measures 17-20: Diminuendo along with the descending melodic line.
- Measures 21-26: Crescendo to a peak at measure 22, then diminuendo.
- Measures 27-28: This is a bridge section. Play freely as the performer deems appropriate.
- Measures 29-36: Diminuendo from measure 29.
- Measures 37-46: This is the loudest section of the piece. Always diminuendo from measure 37.
- Measures 47-50: Since rit. etc. are not indicated, allow for a slight decay. Do not stop the flow of the piece.
- Measures 55-62: Same as measures 1-12.
- Measures 63-68: Change dynamics subito as indicated by the dynamic markings.
- Measures 69-73: Continue forte.
- Measures 74-86: Diminuendo to the end.