Piece in F major

A quick melody over a steady pattern

This small keyboard piece sets a nimble upper line over a repeating broken-chord accompaniment. Eighth notes, shorter runs and little interruptions give the melody its changing profile, while the lower pattern supplies continuity. The result asks for two kinds of attention at once: the right hand needs room to speak, but the left hand must remain alive without competing for the foreground.

At the keyboard

Try the accompaniment alone at a modest sound level, keeping its notes even through the changes of harmony. Add the melody without allowing its shorter notes to pull the tempo forward. In the interrupted gestures, count the rests as part of the phrase. A useful test is to sing the upper line while playing only the bass pattern.

Music in this edition

1. Piece in F major