Variations on Balkan Themes Op.60

Amy Beach

A type of technically challenging and musically complex texture where one or both hands play several voices simultaneously.

Advanced Multiple Voices in One Hand

More than one clef used in a staff in a single piece or movement.

Clef Changes

Notes that are either raised or lowered by two semitones.

Double Accidentals

A series of any amount or quality of blocked 6th intervals that are played in one hand, and where both notes move up or down in parallel motion.

Parallel 6ths

A series of blocked octaves that are played one hand at a time and where both notes move up or down in parallel motion.

Parallel Octaves

The left pedal, which moves the keyboard so that the hammers play less strings, creating a softer or lighter sound.

Una Corda Pedal

Indications placed above or below notes instructing the player to hold those notes longer than their original notated length.

Fermatas

Leaps greater than an octave that are to be executed at a fast speed and in succession. 

Rapid Leaps

An accompaniment pattern using broken chords that regularly extend beyond five finger patterns.

Extended Broken Chord Accompaniment

Indications instructing the player to play gradually louder (crescendo) or softer (diminuendo).

Crescendo and Diminuendo

An indication instructing the player to play very softly; softer than piano.

Pianissimo

A type of articulation indicating the player to play smoothly and seamlessly, with the notes slightly overlapped.

Legato

Also called the damper pedal, it is the rightmost pedal on the piano and used to sustain notes by moving the dampers away from the strings.

Sustain Pedal

An indication instructing the player to play moderately soft; between mezzo forte and piano.

Mezzo Piano

A series of blocked octaves that are played one hand at a time and where both notes move up or down in parallel motion using predominantly 8th note rhythms.

8th Note Parallel Octaves

More than one tempo indication used in a single piece or movement.

Tempo Changes

An indication instructing the player to play extremely softly; softer than pianissimo.

Variation VII Op. 60

Amy Beach

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