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The short answer
A miniature with a much later print witness. Hungarian Melody is a character piece by Franz Schubert from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 5, an estimate.
- character piece
- Romantic
- Key of B minor
- dancing
- melancholic
- voicing
Also known as D. 817.
History
Schubert Online dates the origin of Hungarian Melody D. 817 to the third quarter of 1824. Its described Edition Strache print dates from 1928. That later volume includes an appendix by Liszt after a different Schubert work, the four-hand Divertissement a la hongroise; it is not evidence that Liszt arranged D. 817 itself.
Sources
What to listen for
A quiet start
Hear the short silence before the melody enters. Let the accented B notes carry the phrase across their ties.
The melody gains a partner
The tune gains a second note. Keep the upper line clear as the paired notes repeat and the phrase rises.
A rise and an answer
The melody climbs higher, then relaxes into a descending answer. Listen for that change in direction.
Listen to the tension
A-sharp brightens the phrase's tension. Let the high turn lead naturally into the next answer.
How to practise it
Keep the accented melody's ties above a steady bass-and-chord pattern.
- Practise the small approach into the tied B without a new continuation attack.
- Practise the bass-and-chord alternation quietly, then add the upper tie.
- Connect the stated opening gestures at a comfortable tempo, keeping their distinct releases.
How hard is it
The intermediate target emphasizes singing continuity and dependable coordination across the complete acquired melody, not just its recognizable character.
About this piece
- Licence
- Public Domain
- Source
- mutopiaproject.org
More by Franz Schubert
- German Dance in A-flat major, D. 365 No. 1Level 3, estimatedWith Maestro
- Moments Musicaux No. 3 in F MinorLevel 5, estimatedWith Maestro
- Impromptu No. 4 in F minor, D. 935 (Op. 142)Level 9, estimatedWith Maestro
