Master's degree in the US: audition repertory

[gerryjay]

hi there!
i need your help with some choices. i plan to make some auditions to a master's degree and i must decide my repertory. since i'll send a pre-screening DVD to a fistful of universities, there are some minute requirements (such as an etude), but the core (the pieces i'll play to near all of them) is what follows:
- bach: a WTC's prelude and fugue
- beethoven: sonata opus 81a
- chopin: ballade 2
- debussy: first book of preludes

some questions:
- does that fit what is required considering an expected standard of repertory?
- what bach would you suggest?
- could this chopin be considered "a major romantic work" or should i look forward to one of his sonatas, or another composer?
- the debussy would be more effective presented as a whole or selecting the most striking ones (as to include 3, 5, 7 and 11)?

consider that i can provide a good to very good performance of what is listed (thinking about sound and touch, no wrong notes, etc).

any help would be highly welcome. thanks in advance!
best!

[mattgreenecomposer]

I have a masters degree and now I teach at a school here in USA.
You repertoire looks fine.  Although The Debussy is too much (one prelude should be sufficient).
Nobody is going to listen to your whole repertoire anyways.  With the Chopin and Beethoven, you'll probably play about the 1st few minutes of each one and they will stop you. A major Romantic work is a Chopin Ballad, Schumann Carnival, Liszt/Rachmaninoff Sonata etc.
I would recommend an etude instead of the Ballade if they will accept it.  Its quick and to the point.

For the Bach: Maybe something out of BookII as it is harder than the first book in general.  The d minor is great out of Book II.  Everybody likes that one and its fun to play!
Good luck.

[gerryjay]

dear matt:
thanks for your reply! it's very nice to know something from an "insider". if you let me ask you a pair of questions, how is the management of repertory in the piano classes? i mean, is there any requirements (polyphony, sonatas, etc)? furthermore, how much of freedom is given to you to choose and decide what to play?
if you could share your experience, it'd be rather important to me.
best!

[mattgreenecomposer]

It depends on the University but most of them follow this type of system:
Every semester you will play at least one piece from each major era- Baroque, classical, romantic, 20th century. Most teachers are open minded and will let you choose your repertoire assuming they don't think its too easy or difficult for you.  I always got to play whatever I wanted assuming it fit those guidelines.  At the end of the semester you will play a "jury" including those works which the piano professors will grade you on. 
Have fun 

[Bob]

It's also a good idea to pick those jury pieces (or even audition pieces) with your (final) recital in mind.  Instead of learning all new material, you can pick things from your past. 

Although I suppose if you didn't want variety, you could slant your recital toward one era or composer too.  I've seen that.

[gerryjay]

dear matt and bob:
thanks for your comments. they give me a more clear idea about it. now, it's just a matter of study...lots of it!
best!