Composer: Ivana Loudovábr Background: Ivana Loudová (1941–2017) was a prominent Czech composer, known for her wide range of works, including symphonies, chamber music, and educational pieces.br Style: Her music often features expressive and evocative melodies, and her educational pieces are praised for introducing young pianists to contemporary textures and techniques in an accessible way. br The piece: Sleeping Beautybr Mood and style: The piece is a lyrical and evocative work that tells the story of Sleeping Beauty. It is praised for its atmospheric textures and the subtle, wistful character of the melody.br Features: The piece contains a range of musical and technical elements:br Melody and accompaniment: The piece balances a soft, singing melody in the right hand with a more confident, flowing texture in the left hand.br Dynamic contrast: The music features expressive dynamic shaping, including a clear crescendo in the middle section, creating a sense of development and narrative.br Pedaling: The middle section, in particular, requires careful pedaling to achieve a subtle, textured sound, which one ABRSM resource suggests has a feel reminiscent of early 20th-century French music.br Slurred notes: The piece presents opportunities for practicing and mastering slurred notes, an important technical skill for students. br Exam context: ABRSM Grade 2 (2025–2026)br Syllabus placement: It was selected for List C, the section for modern and jazz-influenced repertoire.br Assessment focus: The examiner would assess the candidate's ability to create the appropriate mood, control tone and balance, and handle the dynamics and phrasing effectively.