Pieces for a Grade 8 guy...

[tompilk]

Does anyone hae any suggetions for a piece for me to play? I know there are many other sources to find out, but I keep getting sheet music which i'll never be able to play. I love Rachmaninov and have just managed to play Prelude in G Minor... I found it easier than C# minor...
I have tonns of music e.g. Volodos Turkish March and that sort of amazing stuff, but I need something more attainable. I would love to play Variations on Corelli as well... that sort of stuff... any suggestions for something amazing but only Grade 8 ABRSM level? I love Rach and Chopin Sonatas too but i'm not really good enough... 

[thalbergmad]

Looking at Rachmaninov, have a look at Prelude Op32 No12. That should be within your range now.

For Chopin, try the Polonaise's Op40 No1 or Op40 No2.

[tompilk]

I think i'll try the first polonaise first... thanks... any more good ideas anyone?
 

[noelle]

Funny - I just learned the same Preludes (c# and g), and I thought the c# prelude was much easier.  I'm also working on Rach's (okay, yes, I'm a fan) Etude-tableau in F minor (op. 33, no. 1) - I find it around the same level of the two preludes, just slightly shorter.  You might enjoy it, or take a look.

[dmk]

Maybe some Poulenc?  It would be good to play something other than Rachmaninov

-  Any of the 8 Nocturnes- I wouldn't play one myself but I really like 5, its not 'nocturny' and always remined me of naughty school kids arguing in a play ground!!!

-  The 1919 Valse is definately around this level and is a good piece

-  Any of the Three Mouvements Perpetuels, I particularly like number 3

-  Any of the 15 Improvisations

there is so much music at this level!!!

good luck

dmk

[stringoverstrung]

I have tonns of music e.g. Volodos Turkish March and that sort of amazing stuff, but I need something more attainable. I would love to play Variations on Corelli as well... that sort of stuff... any suggestions for something amazing but only Grade 8 ABRSM level? I love Rach and Chopin Sonatas too but i'm not really good enough... 

In order to one day get to the Rachmaninov sonata, Chopin sonatas let alone Volodos transcriptions etc what you need is a long term plan. Even more difficult: you have to follow it and adapt it. Don't underestimate the power of a good plan: it saves time and it even brings extra motivation.
The plan is also about things away from the piano: good books, great music, prep the next piece etc.
Now the polonaise nr 1 is a good idea to start of with.
In order to advance swiftly i recommend studying all the Chopin etudes preferably with the Cortot "édition de travail" 
Take your time and learn them well.

[rimv2]

Does anyone hae any suggetions for a piece for me to play? I know there are many other sources to find out, but I keep getting sheet music which i'll never be able to play. I love Rachmaninov and have just managed to play Prelude in G Minor... I found it easier than C# minor...
I have tonns of music e.g. Volodos Turkish March and that sort of amazing stuff, but I need something more attainable. I would love to play Variations on Corelli as well... that sort of stuff... any suggestions for something amazing but only Grade 8 ABRSM level? I love Rach and Chopin Sonatas too but i'm not really good enough... 

Brahms ballade in d minor is not that much difficult compared to the rach preludes you play

[pianowelsh]

If you Love rachmaninov the prelude in Eb po23/6 is a good one - not too hard and you must learn G# one op32/12 (just above gd and is so good for learning Rach style (if you want to do sonatas later). I would also recommend etude tableaux op33/2 as one to look at/work upto (bridge from gd 8 to diplomas. Also number 33/8

[pianistimo]

here's a whole list of rep of 20th century works for easy/med/ and difficult intermediate levels:

www.pianorep.com

[la_campanella]

Hi there.
Since you really loved Rachmaninoff a lot, just like me...
I would suggest his Elegie Op. 3 No. 1

And here are other songs that you might take a look at that are Grade 8 ABRSM level;
- Faure: Fugue in E Minor Op. 84, No. 6
- Field: Nocturne No. 4 in A

Good luck on your Grade 8 ABRSM exam. 

[alzado]

At risk of offending you, let me be frank.

At your level of play, you should be able to research and evaluate piano literature and make wise choices as to what you play --  pieces that are attainable yet challenging, and pieces you like very much.

You say you have purchased sheet music you will never be able to play.  How could this happen?  You should not buy sheet music entirely sight unseen.  Even web vendors of sheet music will allow you to look at the first page of the piece to assess the difficulty.

How about something so simple as standing in a large music store, picking up and glancing at a number of pieces?  You could start with your favorite composers.

You should be commended for your skill, but need to become more aware of the piano literature out there, and possibly you even need to determine exactly what you do like.

I am currently learning "Sheep May Safely Graze" by Bach, arranged by Fabrizio Ferrari.  Practicing is easy for me because I do LOVE this piece.  You should be able to find something you personally like very much, also.

Possibly you have been too passive in recent times, and too quick to just expect the teacher to hand you something.  At your level, you should not have to ask the question you have asked.

You may not wish to hear what I say, but in some respects it may be more useful than just specific recommendations for a certain piece, which is what most of your replies above have consisted of. 

I might add that the pieces you talk about wanting to play, such as Rachmaninoff's most well known preludes, tend to suggest you have a very narrow sense of what is really worth playing.  How about Edward MacDowell or Maurice Green, or John Field?  Are you familiar with them? 

Not to slam you, really sir, but to try to encourage you to broaden your horizons. 

Good luck to you ! ! !  I do wish you well. 

[tompilk]

You say you have purchased sheet music you will never be able to play.  How could this happen?  You should not buy sheet music entirely sight unseen.  Even web vendors of sheet music will allow you to look at the first page of the piece to assess the difficulty.

I have never bought sheet music... only downloaded for free to have a go at...

At your level of play, you should be able to research and evaluate piano literature and make wise choices as to what you play --  pieces that are attainable yet challenging, and pieces you like very much.

I agree with this. Thanks for your advice.