Allegro in F major

A melody that keeps moving

This compact Allegro is built from flowing eighth notes, short slurs and a bass that contributes its own movement. The upper line repeatedly rises and turns back, so the interest lies in the shape of each gesture rather than sheer speed. The two hands need to sound like partners, even when one seems to have the more obvious melody.

At the keyboard

Begin below performance speed and listen for the end of each slur. Try playing one hand while singing the other, then bring them together without making every eighth note equally emphatic. Keep a quiet underlying pulse through the turns in the melody. These are practical ways to explore the written texture, rather than a prescription for one definitive interpretation.

Music in this edition

1. Allegro in F major