Hong Kong Festival 2017 - Grade 1 Piano

Grade 1

Tips:

1/ A 2-in-a-bar tempo of about minim = 72 - 76 works well.

2/ Be certain to phrase the RH in a dance like way.

3/ Hold the LH minims and achieve a legato on the lower ascending notes (Bars 1/2 etc).

4/ Use dynamics appropriately.

Tips:

1/ A tempo of about crotchet = 96 works well. Be careful not to play it too slowly or the mood will became too cautious.

2/ Always get the RH to 'sing' cantabile.

3/ Observe the LH staccato notes and let the tone be much quieter than the RH.

4/ Play expressively with rubato - it is a song...a lament.

5/ Observe the detailed slurring between hands in bars 9 - 12.

6/ Note the slight accelerando towards bar 12.

7/ Take plenty of time in the ritardando in bar 13 and in the final bars too.

Tips:

1/ A metronome mark of between 72 - 80 to the minim is good for this piece, but don't play it too quickly!

2/ Play it with a quick 4 time feel, not in 2 time.

3/ Be very firm with the fingers and nicely rhythmic.

4/ Observe the quieter dynamics in bar 18 and the slower tempo.

5/ Hold the final LH note for 3 beats and don't slow down.