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Gillock, William : Album for chirdren In old Vienna

Work Overview

Music ID : 45144
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:waltz
Total Playing Time:1 min 00 sec
Copyright:Under Copyright Protection

Commentary (2)

Author : Sugiura, Nanako

Last Updated: April 2, 2025
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Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

While being mindful of the elegant flow characteristic of a Viennese Waltz, utilize the propulsive force of the anacrusis to naturally lead into the first beat. The anacrusis possesses the energy to create musical flow. On the first beat, it is important to listen carefully to the sound of the chords created by both hands and perceive their individual differences. There are various types of chords on the first beat; by isolating and playing these sections, the coherence of the phrase will naturally become apparent.

For example, in the phrase from measures 1-4, the chords on the first beat gradually descend, creating a sense of closure. Control the sound so that the entire phrase naturally converges. In the subsequent measures 5-8, the bass descends on the chord in measure 6, increasing the depth of the sound. Here, it is crucial to be mindful of the bass support, perceive the dominant-tonic relationship, and carefully craft the changes in sound.

From measure 9, following the anacrusis's melodic opening, a light, staccato accompaniment is added. It is important to begin p, suppressing the volume while feeling the anticipation of moving towards f, and recognizing this as the source of the phrase. The "Sol-La-Si-Re" at the culmination of the crescendo should be played energetically, with an increased sense of propulsion. As the right hand's movement quickens, take ample time on the second beat of measure 13 with the left hand, giving it weight to provide stability to the music. Such agogic adjustments will likely be necessary throughout this piece.

Pay attention to the difference between sections where a hairpin crescendo is written on the eighth-note anacrusis and where it is not. In sections where it is written, aim for a more dynamic expression, mindful of the increase in energy.

At "poco allargando" in measure 27, adjust the tempo as if applying a slight brake, preparing for the next four measures. The key here is to maintain a natural flow, avoiding an abrupt slowdown in this section.

Then, from measure 33, in the "vivace" section, strive for a brilliant, dashing performance, utilizing the lightness of your fingertips. Since the chords have a flat-key sonority, cherish the softness of the tone and imbue the lightness with an elegant expression.

The final arpeggio in measure 37 is a C major I chord; be mindful of a sound that conveys both brilliance and a sense of security and stability. For the final chord, direct your awareness to the tanden (lower abdomen) and conclude with dignity.

Express the unique elegance and lightness characteristic of a Viennese Waltz, aiming for a brilliant and wonderful performance.

Writer: Sugiura, Nanako

Author : Ooi, Kazurou

Last Updated: March 12, 2018
[Open]
Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

1. Viennese Waltz

While technically not difficult and frequently performed at recitals, this piece is musically very challenging, and it is crucial to interpret the composer's true intentions from the score. Although it is a short piece, less than a minute long and only one page, it requires free improvisation to be played with brilliance and elegance. To perform this piece, one must use rubato, a type of agogic. To all instructors, when teaching your students, please provide a simple explanation, whether you refer to it as agogic or rubato.

An explanation such as “like a roller coaster, gradually slowing down on the ascent, gradually speeding up on the descent, and then slowing down again on the next ascent” might be easy to understand. The important thing is that if you push the tempo forward and speed up, you must always compensate for that acceleration. It is not acceptable to remain slow or remain fast.

This piece is structured with phrases of four measures, so you may apply rubato in four-measure units, or you may consider eight measures as a single phrase. In any case, play freely and elegantly, as if there were no bar lines. From measure 9 onwards, do the same: gradually increase the tempo, and then gradually slow down the tempo from around measure 13.

Here are other points to be mindful of. Theme B begins on the second beat, off-beat, of measure 8. If you compare measures 8-12 with measures 24-28 (which is the same section), you will first notice a change in the inner voice. This inner voice is important, so listen carefully and play it so that it never disappears. Furthermore, while the repetition of measures 8-12 ascends by step, measures 24-28 suddenly jump to V7/vi. This represents a state of surprise, so express it fully.

A common mistake in performing this piece occurs in the final Coda section. Looking at measure 33, you will see “vivace” written. Some performers then double the tempo from this point. “Vivace” is Italian for “lively” and means “lively” in English. This is by no means an instruction to “speed up the tempo.” Rather, I believe measure 37 should be played slowly.

Furthermore, the crescendos marked in measures 33-34 and 37-38 are also points of debate. Applying a crescendo to a forte marking would result in an outrageous volume. One might rather wish to diminuendo here, but I imagine the composer's intention was to make these resonant (reverberating) arpeggios sound brilliant. Personally, if I were to perform this, I might apply very little crescendo.

Writer: Ooi, Kazurou

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