Repertoire Choice for a Competition!

[dnephi]

Zhoom! 

I will be learning an additional piece from a list for the NFMC festival and going to use it later in the Hoosier's Auditions from a list.  My teacher suggested the following, with the information:

Finney Nostalgic Waltzes #s 4 & 5 (together)
First one is lyrical, somewhat modern. The second one is very bold and dramatic and it ends titanically.  This would go great if you do this.
MacDowell Hexentanz Op. 17 No. 2
I think this would be excellent for your technique and would be good preparation for pieces requiring greater finger dexterity.  It has a good climax and a great character.  I would be quite confident you would do this very well.
Rachmaninoff Op. 23 No. 5 Prelude in G Minor
I would really worry about you doing this.  You would certainly be able to thunder through it and you would really enjoy it, but the level of musicianship required for such a piece and so well known of a piece is something that would be a great challenge for you.  That's why i haven't given you any Rachmaninoff yet.  Because of the high level of musicianship through the textures, the pacing, and the thickness.  However, if you think you can convince me by learning part of it and bringing it in, then do it and I'll consider it.

I suggest one of the first two, check them out, but you may try Rachmaninoff if you feel you can convince me.

Which of these do you suggest?

P.S. Etude #50 the train by Waxman is also there but it is the same sort of piece as March Wind and so it wouldn't be too helpful.

[shasta]

Dnephi

I would go with your teacher's advice - - - the Hexentanz is wonderful.  I've never heard of the Finney waltzes.

I disagree with your teacher about the Rach - - - I definitely would NOT do the Rach 23/5  <--- WAY OVERPLAYED!!!  If you're interested in trying Rach, I would suggest his 3/3, 16/4, or 3/1 as a starting point.

What other pieces will you be performing?

[dnephi]

For the actual one, we're not sure yet, although Brahms Intermezzo (My teacher chose it to develop my lyricism, which apparently, is lacking.) in A, Chopin Op. 10 No. 12 (Don't hate! ), and other pieces, depending on the time, and March Wind, and perhaps some Bach French suite pieces.