Performance Practice on the Lark for Piano Solo

Abstract

            Piano performance on The Lark, piece No.10 from 12 pieces in a set called Farewell to St. Petersburg Album was composed with poetries by famous Russian poets for voice with piano accompaniment by Michael Glinka (1804-1857), a famous Russian composer as the father of Russian folk songs due to the ability to compose songs with a melodious folk tune. Subsequently, The Lark was transcribed for piano solo by Mily Balakirev (1837-1910). Mily Balakirev is a Russian composer, pianist and conductor who is famous to compose songs in the form of nationalist music by bringing a variety of traditional folk music mixed with classical music. The composer tried to portrait a bird’s flying gestures by using swooping notes up and down on the keyboard. The pianist then will interpret and use specific techniques to convey the exact motions of the bird. The researcher interpreted and practiced in order to achieve the best performance according to the composer’s purpose.