Grade 1 & 2

[meli]

Hi, I was wondering if any teachers could help me but I am not sure what exactly is the difference between grade 1 and grade 2 pieces? I can guess correctly but if you ask me why, or to be specific, I'd wouldn't be sure. My teacher had asked me to analyze the difference between grade 1 & 2 pieces. (I have to choose 2 similar pieces of technical difficulty of same kind). Just wondering but what do you teachers count as a grade 1 and another a grade 2 piece? Thanks!

[tompilk]

Have you heard the Rainer Hersch CD anyone? It's really funny... and tells you that the only difference between grades is that there are more notes in... buy the CD... it's great!
https://www.audible.com/adbl/store/amazonProduct.jsp?amazonCategory=product&productID=PF_LAFF_000006&source_code=WSAZS01001102000&scic=0
https://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00066KX9G/qid%3D1099572657/026-8367111-2498045
Lol... 

[tompilk]

I forgot to say that it's also on iTunes Music Store...

[cora]

I have often wondered how these things are decided.  So I once asked a Royal Conservatory rep at a workshop. They don't have anything specific. But I will certainly give some thought to your question. I have noticed that grade 3 pieces require staccato in one hand and legato in the other a lot. Grade 7 pieces require a lot of ornaments. Some pieces change grades. Fur Elise went to grade 7 from grade 6. Some pieces are misgraded, for example Morning Prayer by Tchaikovsky should be in grade 5 and not grade 3 if you ask me.  I have learned at a workshop that each grade has a smattering of easier and harder pieces within it.