Audition pieces...

[Antnee]

I have a quick question and people seem like they know what they're talking about on similar threads so I'll give it a shot. I'm starting to prep my repetoire for college auditions and such and I was wondering if Schumann's Papillons is an adequate Romantic work. Basically, does it fare well in auditions or is it frowned upon or whatever. I think it would be a good way to show virtuosity and yet maturity because it is Schumann and Schumann requires some brains. However I could be wrong.    Anyone with experience or knowledge concerning this piece especially please give your thoughts. Any other input is appreciated. Thanks...   

-Tony-   

Ps... Don't bother telling me to learn Carnaval because That piece takes MUCH time to perfect and I don't have that much time...        

[dmk]

Good choice!!!

I had a student audition with this last year and he did really well.  Dont have the score with me @ the moment, will get it and give you some tips!!

good luck !!

dmk

[arensky]

I love Papillons, and yet I'm not sure if it's a good audition or competition piece, it's so subtle, and other people will probably be auditioning with Liszt Rhapsodies, Chopin Ballades and Scherzi and stuff like that; depends on where you're auditioning, and what else is on your plate for auditions.
I don't want to discourage you, you love the piece and that counts for a lot too, but Papillons is not the well, most meaty piece you could prepare for this purpose; on the other hand dmk's student had good luck with it, so...go with your heart. Let us know how it all goes.

[dmk]

I love Papillons, and yet I'm not sure if it's a good audition or competition piece, it's so subtle, and other people will probably be auditioning with Liszt Rhapsodies, Chopin Ballades and Scherzi and stuff like that; depends on where you're auditioning, and what else is on your plate for auditions.
I don't want to discourage you, you love the piece and that counts for a lot too, but Papillons is not the well, most meaty piece you could prepare for this purpose; on the other hand dmk's student had good luck with it, so...go with your heart. Let us know how it all goes.

This is true....the rest of this students program was quite 'big', so I think the subtlty of this piece worked really well for him.   It showed he was capable of delicate work and something more than a bravura Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody (sorry I really dislike the HR's...!!)

[pooguy77]

Papillions would be a fantastic choice. It's now where near overplayed and the judges will appreciate the work. Sure, there might be some Chopin Ballade and Listz Rhapsodies that's going to be playing, BE TRUST ME - HALF OF THOSE ARE GOING TO BE BUTCHERED! Plus, Papillions is no easy piece. There is still a good deal of techical demands required in it, and it is all mental in the last movement. GREAT CHOICE. Play it well, and you will be fine for college auditions.

BTW, i had a friend that played only No. 1 to No. 6 and got into some respectable school.

[arensky]

Papillions would be a fantastic choice. It's now where near overplayed and the judges will appreciate the work. Sure, there might be some Chopin Ballade and Listz Rhapsodies that's going to be playing, BE TRUST ME - HALF OF THOSE ARE GOING TO BE BUTCHERED! Plus, Papillions is no easy piece. There is still a good deal of techical demands required in it, and it is all mental in the last movement. GREAT CHOICE. Play it well, and you will be fine for college auditions.

BTW, i had a friend that played only No. 1 to No. 6 and got into some respectable school.

Yes, probably more than half will be butchered !  What else are you preparing, Antee?

[Antnee]

I totally agree with everything said. The only thing is the audition requirements for the school I'm looking at is one classical sonata movement and one romantic or modern work. That's it... Of course that's just one particular school but that's the one I'm really looking for... For the sonata movement I'm trying to avoid the Waldstien or apassionata and I'm thinking of the Second to last Haydn sonata in C... So... yeah...


-Tony-

[sonatainfsharp]

I would NOT play Schumann for an audition--he is one of those composers that demand seasoned maturity and that is one topic you don't want to get into with an audition panel for college-entry auditions. It would be a great piece to study once you get to college, however.

[dmk]

I would NOT play Schumann for an audition--he is one of those composers that demand seasoned maturity and that is one topic you don't want to get into with an audition panel for college-entry auditions. It would be a great piece to study once you get to college, however.

I've only put one student in for a college audition with Schumann and this was it (see my quote above)...This student was particularly mature and thoughtful, well beyond his years, not just musically, in all of his pursuits, I would never have given him Papillions otherwise.

Are saying that Schumann should go in the same basket as a late Beethoven Sonata?  I would be really interested to hear...I haven't got a student with the maturity to pull off Papillions (or other Schumann for that matter), I haven't been brave enough to give Schumann to anyone else this year

Cheers

dmk

[happyface94]

Is that the op2 or something? It's really a great piece.

[Teddybear]

Yeah, it's Op. 2.

I'd say it's a great choice for a mature musician. If you're not mature, take sonatainfsharp's advice. If you strongly feel that you know what's going on in that piece, go for it. Are you studying with a teacher? How does he/she feel about it?

Good luck with the audition! (:3

T

[maxy]

Personally, I don't find that piece very effective.  I would certainly not pick that for an audition.  If you feel you have something special to "say" with that piece, go ahead, but I find it's a piece that tends to be "frowned" upon. 

[Antnee]

Yeah I guess I was thinking the same thing... Which is why I asked...

In that case I'll change the name of the topic...

What would be a strong romantic piece to play other than the most commonly heard ones? (Chopin Ballades or  Mephisto Waltz etc...) Feel free to name a piece any difficulty, but it must be ready by early next year so nothing too extreme.

Thanks for your help guys... Much appreciated as usual...

-Tony-

[mcgillcomposer]

Yeah I guess I was thinking the same thing... Which is why I asked...

In that case I'll change the name of the topic...

What would be a strong romantic piece to play other than the most commonly heard ones? (Chopin Ballades or  Mephisto Waltz etc...) Feel free to name a piece any difficulty, but it must be ready by early next year so nothing too extreme.

Thanks for your help guys... Much appreciated as usual...

-Tony-

Hey Tony,

Even though I think you should do the Schumann, here are 3 suggestions for Romantic pieces that are moderate-very hard in difficulty level, are not played very often, and are still beautiful and fun to play:

Brahms - Hungarian Dances arr. for one piano (just avoid doing number 5!!! .. also you'd probably want to pick one of the longer ones)

Grieg - Sonata in E minor... in my opinion one of the most original and beautiful sonatas of its period...it's too bad more people don't play it...and yes it is possible to learn for the beginning of next yr. (it's fairly short...about 20 mins. long for all 4 mvmts.)

Liszt-Beethoven - One movement from a Beethoven symphony transcribed by Liszt...these are very virtuosic and great for people with big hands (don't know the size of yours...ouch that sounded kinda bad :p)  If you choose one of these, don't get overly ambitious (ie. the 9th symphony last movement or anything analagous)

Anyway, I really hope this helps and good luck!

- Andrew

P.S.  I still hope you do the Schumann provided that your other repertoire adequately shows off your technical abilities

[Antnee]

Wonderful Suggestions, Mcgill!

I will still keep the Papillons in mind provided it doesn't feel too risky...

Any more suggestions anyone?