ATCL programme

[schubertiad]

Hi everyone. I'm planning to take my diploma in the next year or so, and upon checking the various syllabus(es?/syllabi?) I think that Trinity seems the one most suited to me. I have been thinking of a number of possible repertoire lists, and have come up with one which I think works:

Bach/Siloti: Prelude in B minor (own choice)

Schubert: Sonata D664 in A

Chopin: Nouvelle etude in A flat

Rachmaninov: Etude tableaux op.33 no.2 in C (own choice)

Shostakovich: 3 Fantastic dances (own choice)

Just to add a bit of background...
I am a serious music fan (the son of musician parents) who has been back at the piano for the last 5 years after a hiatus of around 7 or 8 years. The diploma seems to be the perfect challenge to give a bit of focus to my practice.
Of the pieces listed, I have yet to learn the (rather tricky) last movement of the Schubert, and the third of the fantastic dances. My other suitable repertoire would be:
Bach E major P+F (book 1)
C minor P+F (book 1)
French suite in A
Mozart k.333
Chopin-Liszt: My joys
Brahms: G minor ballade
Chopin: A flat nocturne, op.25 no.2, no.5, waltz in E minor op. post
Poulenc: B flat minor novellette
Scriabin op.2 no.1, op.8 no.2

Any changes of the above rep for any of these would be possible. For some reason though, I'm quite drawn to the programme above. Just two things I'm not sure of:

1: Would the 'own choice' repertoire be a disadvantage? the syllabus says that any number of own choice pieces (even an entire recital) is permitted, and I'm fairly sure my choices are of a similar standard.

2: Key signatures. I have never been one to put too much stock in the idea that varied key signatures make a varied programme. Many of the major key pieces are very melancholy (Schubert, Chopin) and there seems to be enough variation of period, mood and tempo to justify the abundance of major keys (IMHO). Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Schubertiad
 

[schubertiad]

Sorry for the shameless bump, but I would really like some feedback if anyone has any suggestions!
Thanks.

[nanabush]

I've played some 'own choice' stuff for exams; the examiners are competent enough, and probably are familiar with anything you throw at them.  The Rachmaninoff etude is without a doubt at the level of the other stuff you have.  The Shostakovich should be fine... in the RCM syllabus in Canada, it is the same level as the Chopin Nouvelle Etude in Ab major.

Go for contrast; fast-slow, varying keys, varying moods are all good things to consider.  Make sure you cover several time periods (which you seem to have done).  I find some of the best stuff to play for exams are short sets of pieces (such as a suite, or a sonata/sonatine).  These always have contrasting movements.

Your choice is good; there's nothing too overplayed in there (I'm not familiar with the Schubert sonata, but usually people choose Beethoven/Mozart sonatas).

[jehangircama]

which atcl are you giving- the recital (no sight reading, exercises, ear tests,etc) or the performance? your time limit changes depending on which one you choose...

regarding the 'own choice', send them an email with your entire programme (with the timing included) and ask whether it is ok, i think you need to get their approval.. you'd need to carry a print out of that to the exam, i think..

fyi, i gave the atcl recital in december 2007, my programme was bach P&F BWV 848 in C# major, bk1, then beethoven's moonlight sonata, brahms intermezzo in A op 118 no.2 and chopin fantaisie impromptu.... all well known (except maybe the bach), and there wasn't any problem. its how you play that matters in the end.