About

Inspired by an imaginary ballet, Prelude begins with a freely sounding introduction (although marked tempo giusto, or “in strict tempo”), as if clearing the stage in the morning in anticipation of a new night of performance. A playful Allegro con brio soon follows, where the music rises and falls through distinct rhythms and ever-changing intervals of seconds and fourths. There’s a hint of Chinese folk elements blended into the piece, perhaps most audible in the contour of the melodic lines and the rather “biting” grace notes. Overall, the music suggests the possibility of a narrative, allowing each listener to craft their own story that unfolds in tandem with the piano performance. —Zhou Tian