Changing the Order of a Set of Pieces

[kelly_kelly]

Is it acceptable? To give an example (random, only because I happen to be listening to them now), if I were to choose some of Brahms Op. 76 pieces to play in a recital, could I play #1, #7, and then #5?

[sharon_f]

If you aren't going to play the set in its entirety then I think it really doesn't matter in what order you play them. If you are playing a complete set, then I feel you need to play each piece in order.

[mike_lang]

I think the only exception is if the set is not in chronological order - for instance, the Fauré nocturnes which my teacher played in the fall were presented in chronological order rather than that given in his cataloguing. 

[quantum]

As a side note, Gould completely changed the order of the complete Inventions and Sinfonias when he recorded them. 

[andresdo]

Hi Kelly.

I played #5 and #7 from Visions and Fugitives (Prokofiev) for my last piano examination -grade 8. In South Africa, that is just a bit more than you need (gr7) to study tertiary music or to get university exemption. The pre-requesite for  that specific examination was to play two pieces from the Visions... that had a contradictory tempo. One fast and one slow. I decided to play the fast one last, as it was a witty way to end the examination on a good note - literally. That was #5. I got a distinction for this exam at the University of South Africa (UNISA). I don't think there is a problem with changing order, whatsoever. As long as you have a certain idea/reason as to why you want to do this. Don't just do it for no reason at all. My one friend (who is a brilliant Cello-player) always says rules are made for the mediocrity, so.. feel free!