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Home > Bartók, Béla > Gyermekeknek > No.1 Children at Play -Allegro

Bartók, Béla : Gyermekeknek No.1 Children at Play -Allegro

Work Overview

Music ID : 32733
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:for children
Total Playing Time:0 min 30 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (2)

Author : Ooi, Kazurou

Last Updated: August 4, 2021
[Open]
Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

The crucial aspect of this piece lies in the handling of articulation. This determines whether the music becomes extremely heavy or light and agile. First, let's master the technique of articulation. This piece is in 2/4 time and marked Allegro, so it proceeds at a relatively fast tempo. The dynamic marking is piano, and it is also marked semplice. In measure 1, the right hand has four eighth notes, with a slur written from the second eighth note (off-beat of beat 1) to the third eighth note (on-beat of beat 2).  

Regarding the playing of this G-A, consider G as the first note. This should be played normally, sustaining it until A. However, A should be cut short with an upward motion of the finger. Apply almost no force to A; make it a faint sound, as if you were playing G and then happened to lightly touch A as you lifted your finger. Ensure that this A is never strong or long; make it extremely short and soft. This is the fundamental technique for playing the second of two slurred notes.  

Similarly, when moving from A on the off-beat of beat 2 in measure 1 to the first G on beat 1 of measure 2, use the same articulation. In other words, avoid emphasizing the on-beat. Play all subsequent similar passages in the same manner.  

By playing these two slurred notes using the method described above, a sense of lightness and agility will emerge.  

Phrasing and Dynamics (Measures 1-8)

Now, consider measures 1-4 as a single phrase, divided into two sub-phrases: measures 1-2 and measures 3-4. The tension in measures 1-2 is higher than in measures 3-4, and therefore, the volume should also be greater. Hence, begin measure 1 at p, play measures 2-3 slightly louder (but still within the p range), and make measure 4 softer.  

Exactly the same applies to measures 5-8. Therefore, it would be good to slightly reduce the volume in measures 5-8, treating them as an echo of measures 1-4. Be careful not to play measures 1-4 and 5-8 identically.  

Next Section (Measures 9-24)

Let's look at the next section, which spans measures 9-24. This can be divided into two parts: measures 9-16 and measures 17-24, each consisting of eight measures. Here, the composer has written detailed crescendo and decrescendo markings for both hands. Therefore, follow these markings. Continue to pay close attention to articulation. As a practice tip, try playing each hand separately to ensure that articulation, dynamics, and accents are observed independently for each hand.  

Comparison of Sections (Measures 1-8 vs. 9-24)

When comparing measures 1-8 and measures 9-24, the decisive difference is that in measures 1-8, the right hand carries the melody while the left hand provides accompaniment. In contrast, in measures 9-24, both hands take on their respective voices, proceeding in two independent voices. Therefore, in measures 1-8, the left hand should be significantly subdued to highlight the right hand, but this is unnecessary in measures 9-24. Treat both lines (voices) independently.

Writer: Ooi, Kazurou

Author : Ishii, Akiko

Last Updated: March 1, 2021
[Open]
Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

Despite its charming appearance, this piece presents considerable technical demands. The first half employs a technique similar to that found in Schumann's Album for the Young.'Melody,' the first pieceHere, the left-hand bass line functions as a second voice alongside the right hand. The G played by the left-hand thumb (finger 1) should be executed softly, yet maintain a stable repetition. The second half features an interplay between the hands; however, the frequent occurrence of 2nd and 7th intervals between both hands at the beginning of measures necessitates aural familiarity. A thorough study of the distinction between tenuto and accent performance techniques is recommended.  

Writer: Ishii, Akiko

Arrangements & Related Works(1)