something light, and/or something with "bite"

[amanfang]

I'm looking for a 20th century piece (or set of pieces) to add to a program.  So far I'm working on:

Beethoven Sonata No. 31, Op. 110
Mendelssohn Variations Serieuses, Op. 54

I need something either impressionist or modern to add to the mix.  My teacher suggested something with "bite," but then he suggested perhaps something "lighter."  So I'm not sure.  I initially picked Poulenc's Napoli Suite for piano, but decided I don't want it after all.  I thought about maybe picking some Scriabin preludes for the "bite," but is there something short (still modern - either a single work, or selected pieces from a longer set) I could use to sort of lighten the program?  I am thinking somewhere in the 8-10 minute range.  Nothing too long.

[jre58591]

the first things that came to mind were ravel's valses nobles et sentimentales. those are nice little effective pieces with a "bite", per sé. also, scriabin doesnt really count as 20th century, unless you play one of his later pieces. sonatas 6-10, vers la flamme, and etudes op 65 would be good options. if you want something a bit less popular, im not the best authority, but i can suggest rzewski's squares or north american ballades, which are great avant-garde pieces. also, take a look at messiaen and rautavaara. messiaen's vingt regards, 4 etudes, or 8 preludes would be good picks also. also, rautavaara's pieces are good options. his sonatas are really short and effective.

[nanabush]

Danzas Argentinas - Ginastera    1st movements got bite, light second movement, third movements rllllly got bite...  around 7 minutes long...

[pianote]

The (IV) Vivace movement of Prokofiev's 2nd Sonata Op.14 would be perfect...from the lightness to the speed to the somewhat comical atmosphere.

the op. 110 is amazing btw (nice choice.)

[amanfang]

I've already played the Danzas Argentinas.  I don't think it really fits with the rest of my program either.  The Ravel valses are out too.  And the Prokofiev was a popular piece last year, so I don't think I want to do that one either.     
Any other suggestions?

[amanfang]

JRE - I listened to clips of Rautavaara on Amazon.  I actually really like what I heard of the partita.  It's a bit short though.  Perhaps I could do a Scriabin set of preludes and etudes, and then throw in the other as a short set.

[skyhawk]

What about Griffes's "The Vale of Dreams?"

[donjuan]

Prokofiev: March from "The Love for Three Oranges" suite

[amanfang]

What about Griffes's "The Vale of Dreams?"

I'll look at the set.  I was originally going to do the fantasy pieces, but the barcarolle didn't fit my hands very well.  The problem with The Vale of Dreams is that I can't reach the 9ths.  Unless I roll the chords.

[phil13]

How long do you have until you play the program?

Something light and with bite:

Scriabin Etudes in B-flat Minor and D-sharp minor, Op.8-11(light) and 8-12 (bite, together about 7 mins?)

Debussy Suite Bergamasque (all 4 parts, not sure of its length, but it's mostly light. That's Debussy for you  )

Medtner Sonata-Skazka Op.25 No.1 (1st+2nd=light, 3rd=bite, 12 mins?)

Scriabin Vers La Flamme (both, 6 mins but very tricky and you need really good double-note technique to do the tremolos)

Barber Sonata- Mvt.4: Fuga (mostly bite, 5 mins. but frickin' hard)

I'm not the person to ask about 20th-century, but these are fairly romantic 20th-century and/or impressionist, so maybe one of them will fit the bill accordingly.

Phil

[amanfang]

I have 9 months to learn the program.  I am a slow learner, but it should be plenty of time.  I do not have a score or recording of the Scriabin etudes.  Next time I go to the music library I'll look them up. 

Isn't Medtner more of a Romantic - like Rachmaninoff?

[pianochild]

this may sound a bit "different" but mabye a joplin rag? - or is that too much of a contrast

[phil13]

Isn't Medtner more of a Romantic - like Rachmaninoff?

Yes, but then again, so are the Scriabin etudes I mentioned.

Phil