con espressione

With expression. A pervasive marking in Dussek's sonatas that signals elevated emotional content and requires the performer to shape phrasing with explicit feeling rather than mechanical execution. In late-Classical and early-Romantic practice, \"espressione\" implies freedom of timing within the beat (a subtle, local rubato), tonal variety, and a singing quality in the melodic line. Dussek uses the phrase in many forms: \"Allegro moderato con espressione,\" \"Adagio con espressione,\" \"Adagio sostenuto ed espressivo.\"

Con espressione is an instruction to engage your interpretive intelligence, not an excuse for arbitrary freedom. Each phrase has a shape — identify the harmonic goal and the emotional peak, then direct the phrasing toward them. In Dussek's style, expressiveness is primarily conveyed through dynamic nuance and legato touch rather than tempo fluctuation; the Classical framework is maintained even as the content inside it becomes Romantic in feeling. Sing the melody with your fingers.