Performance Notes: In playing his music, the composer would emphasize the need of playing according to two musical terms: espressivo and rubato. As such, the pianist is not only encouraged to play with a great deal of expression, but is also given a good deal of liberty as relates to articulation and dynamics. Moreover, the pianist is also allowed freedom to stretch some notes and phrases to create the effect the pianist desires to bring about. In playing these compositions, the pianist need not do so in strict metronomic tempo. In fact, it would be inappropriate to do so. Along these same lines, the metronome marks are not intended to represent exact tempos, but rather merely show the approximate tempo the composer has in mind. Performers are encouraged to play the various sections at the tempos which sound best to them. The pedal indicator is ad libitum. As such, usage is certainly up to the performer. That said, a liberal use of the sustain pedal is recommended. In closing, it should also be noted that grace notes are to be somewhat sustained, usually being more equivalent to eighth or sixteenth notes.