Teaching Notes
Although only a study, this elegant and lyrical masterpiece from Köhler would easily stand on it’s own as an interlude during, or even an encore at the end of a flute recital.
There are also several technical issues and challenges within, which makes it engaging, constructive and musically stimulating to play.
As it is a waltz, there should be movement and flow, beyond just shifting from one note to another. In other words, the melody line should ‘dance’ and the study in it’s entirety should ‘smile’.
The fact that this is the dance of a doll implies that a child-like, or innocent atmosphere should also be created. Do keep in mind the fact that a 19th century porcelain faced doll, would have been a more fragile and unique (and therefore special) creation to the bland, garish, mass-produced plastic trolls of today!
A sweet and light tone, with contained dynamics would be appropriate at the start and a heavier, more intense sound, would sit well for the minor section with trills.
In the end, this study is an exercise in charm. Please be careful not to drop this particular china doll!
In the following exercises you can work on the technical issues that the study throws at us. These include, chromatic scales, intervals, single articulation and trills.
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