Ballade or Nutcracker?

[Skeptopotamus]

in a certain recital round i'm preparing, this piece would be the one to show my musical capabilities.


Liszt Ballade No. 2

or

Tchaikovsky-Pletnev Concert Suite from the Ballet "Nutcracker"



which and why?

[freddychopin]

If it was a competition I prefered the Liszt ballade, but now I think you must play the suite.

If you can play the nutcrackersuite like Pletnev (much dynamic effects) you could amaze all listeners with it.

[stevie]

i really like the nutcracker suite, but the andante finale piece of the set is the best by a wide margin, but if you like them all, by all means go for it!

[Skeptopotamus]

I just need to know which one more effectively showcases musicality.

[pianonut]

they're both nutty.  they are both dramatic and etherial (alternating).  i would say play whatever you are most familiar with.  your level of playing will match your level of interest.  andre rieu just said that tonight (he plays what he likes, therefore the audience likes it).  maybe whatever is the best memorized (or can be).   perhaps you don't have memorization problems like me?

i played the liszt a long time ago and found it to be cathartic.  the rumbly bass.  the delicate sections that contrast.  (suppose that the ballade would show an ability to keep going - whereas wouldn't the nutcracker have rest spots along the way?)

[Skeptopotamus]

mmmmmmmm I think i'll go with the ballade with the presto ending.

[pianonut]

good choice!  you're young enough to still have the energy.  for myself, i'd definately pick the nutcracker.

[Skeptopotamus]

i like the nutcracker more but this would be the piece played at the end and i dont think the pretty, lilting, slow-ending andante maestoso of the nutcracker is a good finale.