The International Rachmaninoff Competition of Young Pianists

[darkthrone666]

I'm really hoping that I could do this although it is very unlikely, but I'm not really familiar
with some of the pieces they require.  I do love Russain music quite a bit ecspecially Rach, and Prok. And even if I don't enter (much less get in) I figure this would be some good music to build up my rep. 

So if you were entering, what would you play? (stuff you could actually play)

https://www.rachmaninov.ru/cpp.htm

[pianistimo]

what have people in the past played?  what do you personally like to play and have in your repertoire?

to me, when i watch a competition there is a different feel to it than a 'recital.'  there is intense competition, of course, but there is also a certain charisma that succesful pianists seem to have.  it's like they will themselves to feel good (despite tiredness), they practice a lot before going on stage (warmed up), and they must take some kind of protein or something to give them a huge boost of energy to get through the immense concentration.  it seems that in competitions, a lot is required.  you have to train for it like the olympics, with a coach of some kind that is aware of all the intricacies of the deal (otherwise your money is wasted, i would think).

might it pay for you to obtain a really great teacher for whatever cost (five or six months before you do this).  have them travel with you, if possible (having someone out in the audience or someone around seems like it would validate you as someone who is #1 serious #2 has someone who will ask judges questions if things don't seem right #3 is concerned about the fairness and that you get adequate practice rooms and pianos).

i used to think these competitions were all about talent.  i think it's partly talent and partly a sort of business sense combined with charisma and friendliness.  if you practice really really hard for the six months or whatever, then you should be able to just sort of take a surreal trip (seeing yourself outside yourself) and enjoy it as much as you can.  and, try to travel around and see a few sights.

(i've never been in a major competition, so this is just musing).

[guru_of_time]

I saw one of the past winners in a concert last playing Rach 2...His name was Vassily Primakov and he was quite good...so if you're entering, good luck