Chopin Barcarolle for Competition?

[lani]

My daughter is 13 and is beginning the Chopin Barcarolle, one of her favorite pieces.  She wants to play it possibly for a local music competition next year, and her teacher thought it a good contrast to the classical required piece (most likely a Beethoven or Mozart selection), but highly recommended the Mendelsohnn Rondo Cappriccio instead.  My daughter likes the Barcarolle more and wants to keep this for her repertoire.  What do people think about this as a competition piece?  Is it considered a virtuoso piece?  Also my daughter likes to play pieces that are unusual and less known.  Thank you.

[arensky]

Your daughter seems to be very talented!  That siad Chopin's Barcarolle is considered to be a very difficult piece not just tehnically but musically; there are many subtle things in it. In contrast the Rondo Capricioso almost plays itself once the notes are learned, it is very straightforward and direct. Your daughter's teacher probably doesn't want her to bite off more than she can chew, or perhaps wishes to address certain pedagogical issues by studying the Rondo.

The Barcarolle requires a big technique but is not "virtuoso" or flashy, the way the Rondo Capricioso or a Liszt Rhapsody or Chopin Scherzo is. For competitions, the flashy pieces that highlight virtuosity and allow the pianists to "show off" their stuff are better choices, although the Barcarolle is an impressive piece, no jury will dismiss it as not substantial. But it's difficulties are often hidden, obvious only to other pianists.

I see no harm in letting your daughter continue to play the Barcarolle, but you should probably do as her teacher advises. I would have to hear your daughter play to make an accurate judgement. She should realize that the Barcarolle isn't going anywhere, and she will play it even better in a year or two! Hope this helps...

[lani]

Thank you - she will be pleased to be able to do both, but now her repertoire for the next several months are outnumbered by Romantic pieces (Barcarolle, Rondo and Schumann/Liszt Dedication)!  She has a year to prepare, so it seems doable to her teacher.  Regards, Lani