ATCL

[jehangircama]

Has anyone here done this exam? I am, planning to do this next year and want to know what sort of questions are asked in the viva, what sort of programme notes you made, etc. I am doing the normal ATCL with scales, ear tests, etc. The programme I am planning to do is :

Beethoven 32 variations C minor
Chopin Fantasie Impromptu
Rachmaninov preludes no. 5 and no.1 from 13 preludes opus 32 ( i think sorry, I'm still not sure)
the total is supposed to be about 23-27 minutes.
Thanks

[jehangircama]

just checked it is op 32 preludes

[jehangircama]

oh come on now; it's not that bad a programme, is it

[dmk]

When I did the ATCL, the syllabus was much more restrictive than it is now, my program was (although I think all your pieces were on the old syllabus!)

BARTOK: Suite op 14
BRITTEN: Moderato and Nocturne from Sonatina Romantica
BRAHMS: Rhapsody in G minor

The program notes are only supposed to be 100 words for each piece (I think!) which makes it really hard.  You are better off using those 100 words talking about the piece and its context rather than talking about the composer etc...

The viva was more like a chat, they wanted to know why I chose the pieces I did.  Bits about the composer and their relevance, it was a very enjoyable chat!!

Good luck!!

dmk

[jehangircama]

thanks a lot. but where did you preprare for your viva from? i've read the Concise History of Music by William Lovelock and found it quite good. are there any others you would recommend? thanks.

[dmk]

I have never used that book, but I have heard of it.  I didn't use any book in particular my general knowledge was pretty good....sorry I can't give you any tips about books.

For a really comprehensive overview I would look at the Groves, they are always good!

From memory, they don't really want to hear you recite a book or memorised passages from something.  They usually want you to provide something a little more constructive.  Listen to a lot of music, this really helps.

Good luck

dmk

[jehangircama]

 thanks