Suggestions for a short modern piece

[c0nfused]

Hi everybody,

Sorry for opening again a "suggestion-something" thread, but I have a bit of a problem choosing a modern piece. Generally I am not familiar with 20-century music, and what I am looking for is a short- up to 4-5 minutes- piece that won't be very difficult, as I have 2 months time to prepare it. To get an idea of my level, the most difficult pieces that I have played are probably Chopin Ballade No.1 and Scriabin Etude No.12, Op.8. (My repertoire includes some Bach Preludes&Fugues, 5 Chopin Etudes, some Beethoven Sonatas (No.8,14,23 ...), Liszt Liebestraum No.3 ...)

I don't mind it being slow, or fast, minor, or major, etc as it won't be part of a concert ( I mean, it doesn't need to be of a specific style) but just part of an examination that you can play anything you want.

From some research I have already done, I have come across Prokofiev No.10 ( Scherzo) Op.12 that I like, but I think it may be too difficult for 2 months time. The easiest solution would be a Scriabin prelude but I don't like many, and most of them are really short- though, I am considering No.14 Op.11 in E flat minor.

From some Ravel I have heard, I haven't found anything quite easy and nice so I would like some suggestions if you have know of something really good.

So, to end up, what do u think of the Prokofiev Scherzo? Is it very difficult, especially for someone who has never studied Prokofiev? Do u have any other suggestions about pieces from Prokofiev, Ravel, or Scriabin? I would prefer one of these 3 composers but if anything else good comes on your mind, feel free to suggest it.

That's all. Thanks

[JPRitchie]

How about some Joplin rags composed 1900-1915? They typically run 3-5 min.
Bethena - sub-titled a concert waltz
The Entertainer - popular, but not frequently played as Joplin intended.
The Cascades - has some difficult parts
Gladiolus Rag - interesting effects with pedaling.
Fig Leaf Rag - a very modern sounding rag.
Regards,
Jim

[houseofblackleaves]

Kurtag Jatekok I say!!

[jre58591]

id second that. if youre looking for not as "extreme" pieces, look at the bolcom rags also. theyre much better than joplin's, in my opinion.

[sharon_f]

 Mompou - Cancion y danza  No. 6. Beautiful, melodic song followed by a very rhythmic dance. I believe he wrote this for Rubinstein who performed it quite frequently, as does Alicia de Laroccha. Can be done easily in 2 months.

[pies]

Sorabji - 1920 Toccata

[invictious]

You can try a random bunch of Scriabin Sonatas..ie from op.11


you can also try Prokofiev's Suggestion Diabolique.

[soliloquy]

Vine Bagatelles or Rzewski North American Ballad No. 3

[c0nfused]

First of all, thanks for all your suggestions.

Unfortunately, I don't know most of the pieces you suggest so I will have to search for them. However, I hope that I will find something interesting in them.

As for Scriabin Sonatas, I don't think that I can have any of the sonatas ready to perform in 2 months time. However, I believe you were talking about preludes, as you mention op.11, which is the 24-preludes cycle. I agree with that, and as I have already mentioned, I am considering this choice, because they are short and easy.

Suggestion Diabolique also seems difficult to master in 2 months, but certainly is a cool and effective piece. As for Sorabji, I haven't listened to the 1920 toccata, but come on, it's Sorabji. Every piece from him that I have listened to seems too comlex. Anyway...

And one final thing. I learned that I can also play Rachmaninov as modern for this specific examination. So i am really tempted to play Moment Musicaux No.4, which I really love and it doesn't seem too difficult. What do u think of that?

That's all. Thanks for all your suggestions

[rach n bach]

And one final thing. I learned that I can also play Rachmaninov as modern for this specific examination. So i am really tempted to play Moment Musicaux No.4, which I really love and it doesn't seem too difficult. What do u think of that?

I love it.       I really think it would be great, if you think that you can get it ready in time...

How about some Joplin rags composed 1900-1915? They typically run 3-5 min.
Bethena - sub-titled a concert waltz
The Entertainer - popular, but not frequently played as Joplin intended.
The Cascades - has some difficult parts
Gladiolus Rag - interesting effects with pedaling.
Fig Leaf Rag - a very modern sounding rag.

Not sure if Joplin would cut it... I love him personally, but I just don't know if it would be enough.  Then again, I do play more than a dozen pieces by him, you could also look at Solace or Blink's Waltz or Euphonic Sounds.

RnB

[pies]

As for Sorabji, I haven't listened to the 1920 toccata, but come on, it's Sorabji. Every piece from him that I have listened to seems too comlex. Anyway...

https://www.wikiupload.com/download_page.php?id=115804
Click "download file" on the right of the page to listen to the Toccata.  I have a PDF of the sheets if you're interested.

[pianodude90]

You should learn "El lago" by Fedrico Mompou, from his "Paysages". It's a fantastic piece starting with a beautiful melodytheme, while the B-part are atonal and full of "watermoods". I suggest Leif Ove Andsnes' recording of it if you wanna listen to. The piece are 4-5 minutes long, and relatively easy to play 

[a-sharp]

How 'bout something from Prokofiev's Visions Fugitives - Most are all very short and there are a lot of neat pieces in that.

[sharon_f]

pianodude,

Do you realize this thread is over a year old. I'm sure c0nfused has already had his exam by now.

[webern78]

Necromancy is bad, mkay?