I am also entering that competion, though the 2004-2005 competition (coming this novemeber). I have researched this competition, and the previous winners have always seemed to play a similar selection of pieces. Following what they played (and succeeded with), here is a basic guideline I am following in selecting my repetoire:1. An easier, lyrical, prelude-like piece to start off with. (I am playing Rachmaninov prelude in D op23 no4)2. Some sort of sonata, either a Scarlatti, Beethoven or Mozart (Note: usually only one movement in played at the senior level). (I am playing Scarlatti K517 in D minor)3. A Chopin, Liszt, Scriabin, or Rachmaninov prelude (basically a romantic etude, not necessarily these composers). (Playing 'la campenella' by Liszt)4. A difficult, early twentieth century piece. (I'm playing Ravel's Ondine)5. Something else not played too often, but played enough to be recongizable to the judges. (I'm playing Debussy's L'ilse Joyeuse).Note that one the of the above needs to have some sort of bravura ending (for me the L'isle Joyeuse) to close the solo repetoire. That may seem shallow, but it has worked.6. For the concerto movement, you can be a bit more liberal here. Previous winners have played a diverse range, but the concertos are usually either Romantic (Liszt, Chopin, Rachmaninoff - and the 3rd has been played before here) or twentieth century (even newer works like Liebermann's 2nd concerto). So yes, a Prokofiev or Ravel concerto might do the trick. For me, I'm playing it safe and going with movmt. 3 of the Rach 2.I would strongly advise against playing the Scriabin 10th sonata at this level. That is something more likely to be seen at the young artist level. It is a longer piece, and uses up valuable time needed for your romantic and sonata pieces. It would also not be suitable for the end of your repetoire either. Since the young artist level has more time alotted, it would be better to play it then.Also, try and order your pieces so that you can seemlessly transverse from one to another with minimal problems for me. In my repetoire, for example, the prelude ends in D major, and the sonata begins in D minor. (actually, just on the note D, no chord begins it) The etude provides a contrast to the style of the sonata, and the Ravel in turn to the etude. The final piece begins on C# (where Ondine ends in C# major), and the mysterious introduction of the Debussy compliments the mysterious ending of Ondine. So I have selected a program that provides both contrasts and similarities for the judges. The program does present problems for me, however. After La campenella, my right hand is always tired, and the beginning of Ondine is no picnic for the right hand. However, I am willing to live with this for the sake of continuity.You should really put some thought into selecting your pieces- the judges will appreciate you for it. By no means to you have to conform to what I am doing, because it's just my opinion, and I could be completely taking the wrong approach. This contest certainly does provide inspiration for the competitor- the winner of the Senior level usually goes on to win the Young Artist level, and that curtails a $50,000 stienway model L concert grand 1st prize. And that's something we all want.(especially me.)
Topic: Repertoire for Competition 