A step-by-step approach to learning this charming piece.
Mozart composed this Minuet when he was 6. Its beautifully crafted melody woos the listener from the very first measure with a curvaceous broken chord springing into graceful quarter notes. A forward wrist motion helps with shaping lines, softening the impact of weaker second and third beats.
(The repeated C and Bb in consecutive sequence are best realized with finger shifts to add nuance.)
In measure 5, there’s a change in melodic direction which is ear-catching. The player should communicate its novelty.
The B section (starting in measure 9) is like a Development, modulating to G minor through its dominant and quickly back to F by way of the primary dominant. The key transition is a SEQUENCE.
A moving DECEPTIVE cadence occurs in measure 20 (V to Vi chord) just before the piece gracefully tapers to a final cadence.
All dynamics and phrasing should be observed.
Practicing:
The video fleshes out a separate-hands approach along with an analysis of harmony and voicing.
