Using the Score in a 'Required' Performance

[phil13]

A few months ago I went to the college senior recital of a friend of mine, and I noticed that she used the music for each of the four pieces she played.

Is this normal for a graded concert? If so, is it also normal for a sophomore qualifying recital?

Phil

[retrouvailles]

It depends on the piece being played. I have seen the score being used many times for modern compositions, even graded recitals. I don't see it used so often for romantic, classical, or just mainstream repertoire in general. I would say to try and not use it.

[phil13]

Only one piece out of the 4 was modern. Here is the program:

Bach Partita No.6 in E minor

Beethoven Sonata Op.90 in E minor

Hindemith Sonata No.2

Chopin Scherzo No.2 in Bb minor, Op.31


My question refers more to using the security of the score when you are being graded on it for the equivalent of your senior thesis, or, if you are a sophomore, the most important concert to-date in your college life.

Phil

[pianistimo]

how old is she.  sometimes teachers give a bit of a break to an older student who might have a family or a lot of things on their mind.  i try to put my music flat down and only use it when necessary.  older students have a harder time practicing EVERY day (with energy) - and it puts a damper sometimes on the quality of memory.  to me, it's like when people ride a bike and have someone running along behind - balancing - to get them started.  by her senior year she'll probably be fine with her memory.

[phil13]

how old is she.  sometimes teachers give a bit of a break to an older student who might have a family or a lot of things on their mind.  i try to put my music flat down and only use it when necessary.  older students have a harder time practicing EVERY day (with energy) - and it puts a damper sometimes on the quality of memory.  to me, it's like when people ride a bike and have someone running along behind - balancing - to get them started.  by her senior year she'll probably be fine with her memory.

Senior college recital. She's 21. 

Phil

[pianistimo]

i'd trust the teachers judgement.  some people have learning deficits and things like that, too.  it's better not to critique the memory so much as the playing.  they already know that about themselves. 

[rc]

It's funny how highly playing from memory is prized and here I stand in awe of anyone who can play from the score.

I don't think it should be an issue at all whether somebody has the score in front of them or not.  Shame to the listener who would let that effect their enjoyment of the music.

[franzliszt2]

Playing from the score can be dangerous. I once played rachmaninoff paganini rhapsody with another piano and elevateme turned my page half way through the 15th variation hahaha