Final LRSM repertoire - any advice/comments?

[alpujarrajim]

Hi all,

I have been deciding and undeciding repetoire for my LRSM examination for nearly 2 years, learning many pieces in this time. They include:

Beethoven Op.10 No.3
Beethoven Op.31 No. 3
Haydn Sonata in E Flat Major No. 52
Mozart C minor Sonata (K467?)
Kabalevsky 3rd Sonata in F
Hindemith 3rd Sonata
Brahms Cappricios Op.116

This has all been useful in terms of technique and interpretation. Not to mention the copious notes i have made on all the pieces away from the piano in prep for the Viva.

The only piece that has remained throughout on my programme is Bach 2nd Partita in C minor. It has been this that has caused my problem. It ruled out playing the Mozart C minor for obvious reasons. Also, the Beethoven op. 31 No. 3.

The Op. 10 No.3 got me stumped on the 3rd movement so that one is out.

Also, Bach, Beethoven and Brahms seems alittle pedestrian to me - not using alot of imagination.

Both the Hindemith and Kabalevsky did not appeal to me a great deal.

Last week i found some second hand music at a store and picked out Schumann Novelletten Op21 and Prokovieff 5th Sonata. The former is a joy to play and the latter i learnt whilst still at school but since lost the music.

My exam is in July and i finally present:

Bach Partita in C minor
Brahms Intermezzo in E major op. 116
Schumann Novelletten No. 8 in F Sharp minor op. 21
Prokovieff Sonata No. 5 in C major

Firstly, i will have to play the Schumann without repeats to fit this into the time limit which is a shame. The Brahms is not on the rep list and may be alittle easy but it is there to form a break between the end of the Bach Capriccio and the beginning of the Schumann. The Schumann directly after the Bach simply sounds wrong. The Brahms can be my own choice work.

After the dramatic close of the Schumann, the Prokovieffs simple opening works wonderfully although will require alot of control. It then has a sufficiently showy ending to close the recital.

Sorry this is long, but any advice, congratulations, disapproval would be welcome.

Many thanks

Andrew

[alpujarrajim]

Also, any interesting sources for the writing of the programme notes.

Thanks

[pianowelsh]

ABRSM publish a very good book about writing about music which has a good section on programme notes.  I would suggest buying it! Also send out copies to teacher and former teachers etc and get them to mark it and give suggestions.  i like the way you have your programme structured now.  I think you have a very pretty and interesting programme.  I wish you every success with it. Its a shame you arent doing any Beethoven now having done all that research - maybe a big beethoven for FRSM would be a wise choice?? and a Hindemith could sit nicely with it if you could find a nice contrast from the romatic era to complete it would work well for you eh??!

[alpujarrajim]

Thanks for the reply.

The FRSM is a long way off, although it really does depend on the choice of pieces:

Beethoven Op.57
Schumann Kreisleriana
Hindemith Sonata No. 3

This looks very good to me

I've been through all three before and i always find looking forward to the next level helps the current one. Makes it seems easier.

Thanks

Andrew

[pianowelsh]

I know exactlywhat you mean Andrew I find that myself!!

[gruffalo]

im afraid i cant help you with this, but i also have something i want to ask someone whilst on this topic.

i am studying pieces that fit in with the LRSM diploma repertoire list, and i want to go and take the LRSM diploma sometime next year. However, i havent taken the dipABRSM, which is the first stage. certain things are needed for the LRSM ie. a dipABRSM, a Bmus and "some proffesional experience". im 17, so i havent gone to conservatoire yet and i dont have a Bmus, and i want to work for this LRSM and have it before i go to conservatoire, so i have something to work for next year aswell as auditions. anyone know what "proffesional experience" is? i know what it means, but to what extent? i think i would qualify for it in singing, but i only do regional competitions for piano and small performances at college and local stuff. it doesnt really explain fully what it is in the book.

can anyone help me out?

[alpujarrajim]

Hi

Have you looked at doing the LTCL diploma instead? Trinity Guildhall is highly respected and they don't have any prerequisites for entry. You do have to email them with your programme and have it verified before you enter.

Also, they don't do the Viva Voce which is a bonus. Programme notes still required though.

Andrew

[gruffalo]

that sounds good. i know guildhall is respected, but i have always been with ABRSM, so its just, well a personal thing. but if i have no choice, i will probably switch to Guildhall then. do they have a repertoire list? or do you make your own programme?