Recital program

[nicolaievich]

Hello, I want opinions about the following program I am trying to prepare to perform for an audience not too much experimented with classical music.
Here it goes:

1- Chopin: Nocturne Op.9 No.1 in B flat minor
2- Chopin: Waltz Op.posth No.14 in E minor.
3- Ginastera: Argentinian Dance No.2 'La danza de la moza donosa´ (for contrast)
4- Chopin: Prelude Op.28 No.15 in D flat
5- Chopin: Andante Spianato Op.22
6- Rachmaninoff: Prelude Op.32 No.1 in C

What do you think about? I accept any kind of advices. 

[g_s_223]

Hmm, I'm not sure it's wise to start with a Nocturne. Perhaps you need something to grab their attention at the beginning and stop them chatting etc.

Just follow the classic form:
1st part: loud/fast
2nd part: soft/slow
3rd part: loud/fast

[nicolaievich]

Yeah, I was thinking the same. I would like to start with the Rach's prelude. But my audience asked me to start with that Nocturne hehe. They will like that.

Do you think the order is alrgiht?

[pianowelsh]

My personal preference would be to start with the e min waltz because it has good opening flourish and is zippy and position a group of Chopin pieces after it for continuities sake.  It generally isnt a good idea to go from one composer to another and then back to another unless there is a strong programmatic thread your following.

Chopin e min waltz ( catch their attention)
Chopin Andante spianato ( i presume not the polonaise as well?)  - warm and sunny
Chopin nocturne Bb min  - cold melancholic
Chopin Db prelude - static mood and FAMOUS (lead up to it)
Ginestera (contrast in style and dance to perk them up after beautiful reverie)
Rachmaninov (profound final statement)

Whatever you do have fun - that is the most important thing - you need to believe in your programme!!

[nicolaievich]

I like that order of performance! I agree with you about that waltz. It's very lively and so nice, I really enjoy the ending, don't you??

No, I won't play the polonaise, I am not up to it.
So, you say not to alternate composers? Ok, I will take that into account.

Thanks a lot!

[practicingnow]

Drop the Ginastera and the Rach - they have no point being there, unless you are going to do a group of them - replace them with two more Chopin and make it an all Chopin - end with the Grand P.