While many elements such as articulation and balance are necessary, let's consider direction this time. What I am about to discuss is purely my personal subjective view, so please listen with the understanding that "this is one possible way of thinking."

This discussion concerns the opening 8 measures. A mezzo forte is indicated at the beginning, but no other dynamic markings are present within these 8 measures. Therefore, let's consider where the tension is highest within these 8 measures and in what direction the music should progress.

Looking at measures 1-8, the melody starts on D and descends stepwise to C in measure 5, B in measure 6, and A in measure 7. The same applies after the repeat. Typically, if one considers that tension decreases as the pitch lowers and increases as it rises, then one could interpret measure 1 as the loudest, followed by a gradual diminuendo, and this would not be incorrect.

However, looking at the left-hand accompaniment figure, it also descends as it progresses, but what's interesting is the number of notes. As it progresses, it becomes thirds, and the number of notes increases.

Therefore, could one not also consider the possibility of interpreting measure 1 as the softest, with a crescendo as it progresses? Especially for the first 1-8 measures, since it ends on the dominant, this approach is acceptable. After the repeat, the second ending concludes on the tonic, so it would not be strange for this section to be softer than measure 7.

For your reference.