Preparing Dip ABRSM in 2007-2008

[sophia92]

Well, thanks for watching in the first place 
Yeah! I am going to have the Dip ABRSM in 2007-2008. And , I am wondering that what I should prepare for this DIFFICULT exam ? I 've heard that many candicates were FAILED in this exam    I have just passed the Grade 8 ABRSM in June . And  what I recently practising pieces are :

Beethoven Sonata No.1 and No.9 (op.14 .no1)
Chopin Waltzes op.69 no.1
Moszkowski Etudes No.1 Op.72
Christopher Noton  Prelude 6
Bach sinfonia 11 = ='' ( Desperate for this,''I don't know why do I just learn it when I have already passed Grade 5 )

Self learning :
Chopin Fantaisie - Impromptu Op. 66
Chopin Edutes No.9 (op.10#9)


Could you please give me some suggestion for me for preparing the Dip ?
What do you guys reckon with the pieces I am learing ?

Thanks a lot .

[klm46]

Well check the syllabus if you haven't already done so - I think that pieces you choose that are not on the syllabus cannot be longer than 7 minutes, and only one piece per non-listed composer can be chosen.  I am, however, not 100% sure about this, so check it.

Obviosuly, you would only do one of the Beethoven sonatas, and if memory serves, both are listed so you can choose whichever you want (remember to take into consideration timing - a 35 minute recital with breaks between pieces etc).  The Fantasie Impromptu is also listed, but is a risky choice, seeing as so many people do it.  The Chopin Etude is an LRSM piece, so while you can do it, I would probably leave it for now. 

I think what you need to do is break your programme down into periods: eg. Baroque, Classical etc.  I don't think the Sinfonia would be Dip standard, maybe you could do a Prelude and Fugue?  The Beethoven will do for your classical, and the Fantasie Imrpromptu (should you choose it) would be fine for the Romantic.  There are many alternative Romantic pieces in the syllabus - you may want to look at Brahms or Schumann.  If time permits, you may also include a more modern piece. 

The best thing to do is just to research it; make sure you play to your strengths. 

[pooguy77]

HEY! well i'm preparing for the Dip as well! (Except i'm a US student some i'm still trying to figure out how i'm going to take it)

Many reasons why people do fail the ABSRM is because of the bad quality of playing of pieces that they aren't ready yet. But, I agree with the suggestion of presenting a well rounded complete program of the periods. It's almost as if you were auditioning for a college. If you go to the ABSRM website, they have a complete suggested list the Dip.

I would choose one of the Beethoven Sonatas (COMPLETE) for sure as your classical  but I perfer a well-played Op. 14 or Op. 2.

Moxzkowski Etude should be there, but you should include a stronger Romantic piece than the waltz. Maybe a more sophisticated Nocturne instead or a collection of Mazurka's. I question the Impromptu, perhaps one of his other 3 impromptu's would be more suitable, still impressive, and the juries won't be rolling their eyes.

Other Chopin, try Brahms Intermezzo Op. 118 No. 1 and No. 2 or one of Faure Barcolle.

A sinfonia won't cut it, you need to do Prelude and Fugue from WTC or a few movements from the English, French suites. I suggest with the rep your showing me, perhaps D minor, D Major, and G Major from BK. I might be work out.

Also include a Debussy prelude.

Here's what i'm currently learning which might be part of my Diploma program, ( I still have get in contact with ABSRM cause I never taken any exam before)

Bach:  Prelude and Fugue in G, WTC I
Schubert: Impromptu Op. 90, No. 2 No. 4
                Impromptu Op. 142, No. 4
Scriabin: Selections from Preludes Op. 11, Etude Op. 8 No. 5
Grieg: Sonata Op. 7
Beethoven: 32 Variations in C Minor

Hope this helps.

[ako]

If you have just passed Grade 8 in June, I would suggest holding off the DipABRSM until the latter part of 2007 or Spring 2008. It takes a long time to prepare for the Dip.  By looking at your repertoire, I think your teacher might be trying to build up your skills for the exam and in general, hence the Sinfonia to get ready for the Prelude and Fugues. Chopin waltzes to get ready for the more difficult Chopin pieces. I do not know you so I cannot say which pieces would suit you. Your teacher should know you best. For me, Brahms is a little more difficult to grasp musically and structurally than Chopin. Good luck!