revised audition repertoire (undergrad)

[thorn]

im auditioning for: Royal Academy, Royal College, Royal Northern, Royal Welsh, Trinity and Guildhall.

pretty much decided on the following but asking for opinions to give me time to learn other things suggested if i like them.

Bach- Prelude and Fugue Bk 1 Nr 3

Beethoven- Sonata Op 90 (both mvts)

Brahms- Intermezzo Op 118 Nr 2
Chopin- Nocturne Op 48 Nr 1
Medtner- Fairy Tale Op 20 Nr 1
Scriabin- Vers la flamme

Liszt- Gnomenreigen

Debussy- Images II (complete)

Takemitsu- Litany (both mvts)

what do people think?

[jeremyjchilds]

The only thing I would suggest, it playing Brahms' 118 1-2. i did this for an exam, and it went over really well.


#1 is seconds long (if you skip repeats) and contrasts so deliciously with #2 that it makes a wonderful partner.  Also #1 is very accessible (if your arpeggios are up to it) compared to #2

Congrats on choosing a fine piece in #2 

[pianowelsh]

mm the medtner is lovely - an inspired choice..probably not played to death too! I wouldnt touch the Scriabin for audition unless you are confiedent you can bring it off at recording quality. It could bequite contreversial with some of the panels.  Similarly the Chopin is done so often you may find it counter productive to play it.  It could spark 1. unhelpfull comparisions and 2. difference of opinion on the panel. Takemitsu is quite a bold idea...could work.  Debussy are fine pieces - possibly wouldnt have time to play them all but you could select and rotate - good idea at auditions to stop you getting stale!  Gnomenreigen is ok but they hear it so often... im sure you could come up with something equally nice but more origional?!?  When are you thinking of taking the audition?

[henrah]

If you're going to play the Gnomenreigen, and if pianowelsh speaks the truth that it's overplayed, then may I suggest a wonderful way of playing the first theme? I've discovered that playing it slowly (relatively - basically not lighting fast or at the same pace as the rest of the piece, though that in itself might be controversial) and really sing out the top line, using the pedal. If you can bring a really enlightening and fresh interpretation to the panel, they'll be delighted with you

[thorn]

I was having second thoughts about the Chopin myself. I may not do anything by Chopin tbh 

the Takemitsu was what won me a piano competition earlier this month so im definately going with that

pianowelsh, do you have any suggestions for an alternative to the Liszt i could look into? and what do you mean about the Scriabin? i dont follow...

and im auditioning in the autumn/winter

[pianowelsh]

maybe a gutsy Prokofiev etude?!? or a scriabin etude that is less commonly played. Liszt etudes are kinda done to death at audition.  If you do them well OK but if they are just so so they wont impress much.  Regarding scriabin vers la flamme is a difficult piece to get just right. The difficulty is basically no 2 professors can agree what is right.
 Go with the takemitsu - its sounds like you will be able to impress with that.

[thorn]

ok thanks i will look into those etudes.

as for vers la flamme, im going to keep at it and then decide for definite when it comes closer to the time; ive pretty much got it now so although it needs more work its not so much work as to disrupt anything else im learning.

[thorn]

done a bit of adding and removing:

Bach- Prelude and Fugue Bk 1 Nr 3

Beethoven- Sonata Op 90 (both mvts)

Schumann- Carnaval (selecting a handful of contrasting pieces)

Medtner- Fairy Tale Op 20 Nr 1
Debussy- Images II (complete)

Kapustin- Concert Etude: Toccatina
Takemitsu- Litany (both mvts)