Musical example provided by: Ongaku no Tomo Sha

The tempo for this piece is set at dotted quarter note = 72. However, from the author's personal perspective, a slightly faster tempo would make the piece clearer. The author's recommended tempo is around dotted quarter note = 80. The reasons are stated below.

The prelude begins pianissimo. If the pedal is held down continuously for the first 1-2 measures, it will become muddy, so the pedal should be used minimally. If this phrase, which starts pianissimo and further diminuendos to the A-flat on the second beat, is played at dotted quarter note = 72, there is a risk that it might sound "misterioso." The concern is that if the tempo is too slow, it could indeed become unsettling music. What are your thoughts on this?

Compound Meter and Tempo Flow

Compound meter is fundamentally understood as music that progresses forward without stopping. Since this piece is in 6/8 time, avoid excessive rubato and keep the music flowing. The indications for `riten` and `in tempo` are only present in measures 11-12 and 31-33; these should be strictly observed. However, avoid applying `rit` where not indicated. Nevertheless, when entering the final measure (m. 48), extending the last chord of measure 47 by about one second before entering m. 48 can effectively signal the end of the piece.

Other Points to Note

Throughout the piece, the harmonic progression primarily moves between tonic and dominant. Consequently, most measures have A-flat and E-flat in the bass. Within this framework, for example, in measures 17-20, the bass changes, and the key also shifts.

This is a very emotional section. Express it fully within the continuous tempo. Measures 37-40 are similar.

Regarding the melody notes where A natural appears (measure 22, beat 1; measure 26, beat 1), while there may be various opinions, the author considers A natural as a non-harmonic tone (Chromatic Lower

neighbor). This is indeed a very sensual or strong emotional expression, and it should be emphasized accordingly.