Beriozka (The Birch Tree) is one of Russia's most renowned folk songs. In Russian culture, the birch tree symbolizes spring and renewal. This beloved melody was famously quoted by Tchaikovsky in the final movement of his Fourth Symphony.
In a lead sheet, the melody is written on the staff, with chord symbols shown above it. In this activity, you will play the melody in the right hand while adding the root tone of each chord in the left hand. This is a first step toward learning how to read from a lead sheet and create your own accompaniment.
- Play the melody with your right hand.
- With your left hand, play the root tone—the note named in the chord symbol—on the downbeat. (mm. 1–3 are shown as an example.)
- Notice that your hands are not in the same 5-finger position, even though both thumbs are on A.
L.H. on D minor 5-finger position | R.H. on A minor 5-finger position
Advanced Options
Harmonizing with Perfect 5ths
Harmonizing with Major and Minor Triads
When playing triads in The Birch Tree, keep in mind that the A and D triads are minor, while the E triad is major.
