Program and Repertoire Suggestion

[pianistcellist]

Hello Everyone,

I have appreciated gathering information from this site for quite some time now although I have not taken the time to register and post. However, I now find myself in the position of wanting specific input on two topics in particular so I decided to take the time.

I am currently working on a competition program, including a concerto, for the fall/next spring. The requirements are two contrasting periods plus a concerto. No time limits, but a 20-30 min play time. My teacher and I have had quite the time balancing out my program, but as of right now we have settled on the following.

Sonata no.1 in D minor...........................Rachmaninov
          i. Allegro Moderato
         ii. Lento
        iii. Allegro Molto

Four Short Sonatas...................................Rocheberg
        1. Poco allegro piacevole
        2. Molto rubato
        3. Allegro assai
        4. Presto

Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini..........Rachmaninov

It looks like a lot of Rachmaninov, but they are very different Rachmainov, basically opposite ends of the spectrum so it should be a very effective program.

Finally, I have very good octaves, at least compared to the rest of my technique, so we are thinking that it would be good to have an octave showpiece to add to this program. As you can probably tell, I am not looking for a great deal more music to work on. So far this is what I have found. Many of them I am not familiar with.

Le peux..............................................Alkan
Transcendental Etude no. 4...............Liszt
Transcendental Etude no. 8...............Liszt
Etude op. 25, no. 2............................Chopin/Godowsky
The flight of the Bumblebee...............Rimsky-Korsakov/Cziffra
Orage from Anees de Pelerinage.......Liszt
Allegro barbaro..................................Alkan
Ballad of revolt kjempeviseslåtten.....Harald Sæverud
Etude no. 9, op. 72............................Moszkowski
Pour les Octaves................................Debussy

Opinions?

Thank you for your time and expertise.

Riley

P.S. It says that I should consider posting this in the "Student corner." If that is where it belongs, let me know and I will post it there instead.

[dan101]

I like the Liszt studies (that you listed) for octaves. Your Rachmaninoff selections are solid also. Good luck.

[dnephi]

Go for the Cziffra if you've got the chops.  It works pretty much every aspect of your technique, but is brilliantly written.  The Liszt #4 is good, but it's really significantly harder in other areas.  #8 really isn't that good of an octave showpiece.  The 6th Rhapsody would fit.  Orage wouldn't be bad, but I feel that it's somewhat low on musical content.  I like its sound, though.  I've never heard of the Saeverud.

I believe that the Alkan is Le Preux.

I have never really liked the first Rachmaninoff sonata.  It seems too static.

Is it too late to choose a

[classicalnhiphop]

Personally, I really like bach WTC.  PLEASE play some, as judges really like to see a well executed fugue.  All i'm seeing is a LOT of romantic stuff.  Good luck but add some variety please!

[asiantraveller101]

In all honesty, as much as I like Rach first sonata, more than the 2nd, I think it is too long for a competition. You tried rationalizing having two Rach pieces, but I think they may too much if played at the same time. Is the concerto played at a different time or in the same session? If the concerto is played in the same session as the sonata, then I would advise you to replace the sonata.
Good luck.

[quantum]

Folks, take note that this post was from 2008