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 PREFACE

The choice of Folk-Tunes, as material for the child's first piano study, needs no explanation. A word should be said, however, as to the marks used in editing these pieces.

The slur -^ — -, dot • , and dot and slur ^'~:~'^- , signify legato, staccato, and portamento, respectively. The mark | means that there is a slight break in the sense, and is used much as a comma is used in punctu- ating English. The brace ' ' indicates the length of the phrase, and is used to aid intelligent reading. The brace does not refer to legato or

staccato. For example: f f f T means that the notes are to be played

��portamento; ^^00 means that the notes are to be played staccato.

There are often several ways of phrasing a passage, but since an inex- perienced child usually reads from bar to bar, irrespective of the rhythmic grouping of the piece, these indications of one way of phrasing may not be superfluous.

Most teachers agree as to the value of words in developing the child's feeling for phrasing, and rhythmic sense. As far as possible, the original words, or translations in the rhythm and spirit of the original, are used in this book.

It is hoped that this little volume may help supply the need, expressed by many teachers, of a collection of Duets for two beginners in piano playing.

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