What to play at a master class.

[zheer]

   Two contrasting pieces by the following composers, Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms, Rachmaninoff.
   Which Rachmaninoff prelude would be a better choice at a master class, C # minor Op3 No 2 or the G# minor prelude Op32 No 12 ?.

[henrah]

I don't know the G#minor prelude, but I'd say that you should go with that one as the C#minor one is really overplayed and might aggravate the teacher or anyone else there. A wonderful piece in it's own right, but really overplayed.

[zheer]

   Hmmmmmmmmm OK, you know not everyone likes that prelude .

[henrah]

More so than the C#minor prelude? Go with it if you want, but choose on the basis of which prelude you can get the most out of at a masterclass, i.e. which do you think the teacher can help you with most?

[pianowelsh]

It dosent matter!! they are both VERY VERY overplayed at colleges and competitions. Tell you what though the person leading up the class will know them so well they should be able to go for hours even if you play really badly in the class. Id be inclined to play something like the D major or the Bbminor which are slightly less hackneyed. But if you must play one of the above.. myself Id go for the G#.. I just find it more interesting and technically there are more things that could possibly arise form it in a masterclass to do with effects.. the C# is pretty straightforward in many respects.. im not saying its easy but just less complex musically than the G#.  Mindue anyone whose worth their salt should be able to give a good master class on either.. so just choose and dont let it worry you... its their problem not yours!

[poltergeist]

Whichever you're more comfortable/confident with as master classes can really tear them apart and you may have to be able to stop and start in odd places, use new and odd fingering right then and there etc.

[franz_]

I would take op 32/12

[arensky]

g# minor.

It gives the teacher presenting the class more material to work with, as it has more pianistic devices and textures in it.

[pianowelsh]

agreed arensky.

[burstroman]

From long experience, I suggest two works that no one else would probably play and would show off your musicality: Brahms, Scherzo in e-flat minor, Op.4 and Rachmaninov's Prelude in e-flat major Op. 23 #6. Very contrasting works.

[zheer]

, I suggest two works that no one else would probably play and would show off your musicality: Brahms, Scherzo in e-flat minor, Op.4 and Rachmaninov's Prelude in e-flat major Op. 23 #6. Very contrasting works.

 

  Yes thanks but am not looking to show off, maybe next time, anyway the application has been sent.