Choosing a Concerto.

[e60m5]

I'm in an awkward situation right now, just thought I might turn to you guys for some input.

I am currently considering a concerto competition in January at my music school, the Manhattan School of Music. I had assumed that the rules and regulations of the competition would be the same as they were last year; however, in my foolishness, I did not take into account that I was entering the next age category. So, instead of learning a single movement of a concerto, I must have the whole thing prepared.

I was studying the Finale of the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto in D Minor. However, there is no way I can get the whole D Minor under my belt by January.

I have narrowed the choice down to three main concerti:

Beethoven - Concerto no.5 Op.73
Tchaikovsky - Concerto no.1 Op.23
Rachmaninoff - Concerto no.2 Op.18

Of these, I have not played the Beethoven nor the Tchaikovsky, but I am familiar with them through recordings. I have played the first and second movements of the Rachmaninoff C Minor, but not the third, conclusively, at any rate.

What are your guys input on this? Any advice for an indecisive pianist?

Many thanks, in advance.

[eddie92099]

Go for the Rachmaninov - not only is by far the greatest piece (in my opinion) of the three it is also the one you seem to know best,
Ed

[dj]

are you really only 16?

[Noah]

Having seen the online videos of you playing you posted earlier, I'd also say go for the Rachmaninov.
But why don't you consider playing more original concertos ?

[eddie92099]

But why don't you consider playing more original concertos ?

Good idea,
Ed

[e60m5]

Yeah, I'm 16.

Choosing an original concerto has been in my mind, also. The Barber concerto is just awesome, and not many people play it.

However, I only have 2 months. I'm going to have to go with something that I am thus far familiar with.