Abrsm 2025 & 2026
Grade 4 Piano Exam
Category B 3
Song Name / Song piece Cloudscapes
Composer Ailbhe Mcdonagh
Recommended tempo is for this piece is 46 dotted MINIM bpm - equivalent to 138 crotchet beats per bar, as played in this video. A nice legato (smooth) touch is required throughout, and be careful to observe all the sustain pedal markings which appear in the score throughout. Tempo-wise it seems reasonable to keep it flowing along, although some players may prefer to use a little rubato (looseness of time) in places.
The texture of this piece is a melody with accompaniment, so be sure to let the right-hand phrases sing out above the left-hand part generally. Rememberer, in this style of music if the accompanying chords are too loud, they will add too much heaviness to the sound and detract from the delicate melody. However, at bars 18-25 there is a melody in the bass part, so be careful to ensure that it too sings out when playing that section. Dynamics are straightforward, but make sure that the numerous crescendos and diminuendos are effective. There is a rit. at bar 36, along with a diminuendo.
Grade 4 Piano Exam
Category B 3
Song Name / Song piece Cloudscapes
Composer Ailbhe Mcdonagh
Recommended tempo is for this piece is 46 dotted MINIM bpm - equivalent to 138 crotchet beats per bar, as played in this video. A nice legato (smooth) touch is required throughout, and be careful to observe all the sustain pedal markings which appear in the score throughout. Tempo-wise it seems reasonable to keep it flowing along, although some players may prefer to use a little rubato (looseness of time) in places.
The texture of this piece is a melody with accompaniment, so be sure to let the right-hand phrases sing out above the left-hand part generally. Rememberer, in this style of music if the accompanying chords are too loud, they will add too much heaviness to the sound and detract from the delicate melody. However, at bars 18-25 there is a melody in the bass part, so be careful to ensure that it too sings out when playing that section. Dynamics are straightforward, but make sure that the numerous crescendos and diminuendos are effective. There is a rit. at bar 36, along with a diminuendo.
Category
📚
Learning