Licentiate diploma repertoire

[gerryjay]

Dear all,
I need your kind advice.

I have accepted a job offer and I think it will be a great opportunity. However, I must adjust myself to some requisites and it was suggested to me to take a diploma from a recognised board, because both my undergraduate and graduate studies are in music but not in piano performance.

Well, that brings the first question: which one? ABRSM, Trinity, London College? Then, although I must reach a fellow degree in a couple of years, first I must pass the licentiate, for which I outrank the prerequisites.

The syllabi are quite similar and I provide here a list of studied repertory that fits in a list or another. Second question: how do you will organize a 40 minute-program from those (in parenthesis, the approximate time of my interpretations)?
 - Bach: Prelude and Fugue BWV 869 (12');
 - Schubert: Sonata D. 784 (24')
 - Brahms: Rhapsodies opus 79 (number 1: 8'; number 2: 6');
 - Chopin: Ballade opus 38 (8');
 - Debussy: Preludes VII (4') and XI (3')
 - Ginastera: 3 danzas argentinas (9')

What do you think about that? Do you miss something that you think judges will miss as well?

Thanks in advance! Best regards,
Jay.

[mousekowski]

I'm preparing for my LRSM. I'm going to play Scriabin Sonata No5 Op53 (13'), Mozart Sonata in F K533/494 (22') and Moszkowski Caprice Espagnol (6') in December 2011.

I would imagine that the examiners would like you to have a 'big' piece - the Schubert would do nicely here. I personally think that it is easier to play two or three bigger pieces, rather than four or five shorter ones. The Bach goes well with the Schubert, but that only leaves you with four minutes according to your timings. I'd chose one of the Debussy preludes, or why not go for a 'lollipop' piece that's not on the repertoire list?

[gerryjay]

I'm preparing for my LRSM. I'm going to play Scriabin Sonata No5 Op53 (13'), Mozart Sonata in F K533/494 (22') and Moszkowski Caprice Espagnol (6') in December 2011.

I would imagine that the examiners would like you to have a 'big' piece - the Schubert would do nicely here. I personally think that it is easier to play two or three bigger pieces, rather than four or five shorter ones. The Bach goes well with the Schubert, but that only leaves you with four minutes according to your timings. I'd chose one of the Debussy preludes, or why not go for a 'lollipop' piece that's not on the repertoire list?

Dear Mousekovski,
Well, the Schubert I think it is definitely in. Not only a big piece, but perhaps the one I love the most in this repertory. And I think I play it quite well () or, at least, with great confidence.

I like you program, and it answers a parallel question: the need for Bach/counterpoint in the program. If your fine with Scriabin-Mozart-Moszkovski, I think I can get rid of the Bach as well. Notice I really like his music, but this particular WTC is not the thing by him I play the best.

Finally, what do you mean with "lollipop piece"?

Thanks for your answer. Best regards,
Jay.

[mousekowski]

If you didn't include the Bach, you might be open to criticism that your programme is all romantic (I'm Classifying Schubert as non-classical!) but I can understand you not wanting to do a Bach Prelude and Fugue. It is hard to make them sound polished and precise (not that I've ever really studied any of them!)

For 'lollipop', I was just meaning a shorter encore-piece.

My teacher has advised me to play my LRSM pieces every day. Throughout March, April and May I played through either the Mozart or the Scriabin every morning. I've stopped doing it now, but it was really helpful.

[gerryjay]

If you didn't include the Bach, you might be open to criticism that your programme is all romantic (I'm Classifying Schubert as non-classical!) but I can understand you not wanting to do a Bach Prelude and Fugue. It is hard to make them sound polished and precise (not that I've ever really studied any of them!)

For 'lollipop', I was just meaning a shorter encore-piece.

My teacher has advised me to play my LRSM pieces every day. Throughout March, April and May I played through either the Mozart or the Scriabin every morning. I've stopped doing it now, but it was really helpful.

I think you have a point, but including Ginastera the program would have a twist. The question about the Bach is with this particular P&F, which happens to be the only from the list I play. It's a shame Sonata BWV 964 is not possible, 'cause that fugue I can play nicely.

About your teacher advice, I think it is a good one. But I must add something: are you planning (or already doing) recitals with your LRSM repertoire?

Best regards,
Jay.

[bachbrahmsschubert]

I really like the first three selections of composers. 

I feel like no matter which program you choose, Bach must be included. But I also feel the Schubert is a must as it's your "warhorse." This already pretty much fills your 40 minutes; I find a Bach - Schubert - Debussy effective. Are the Debussy preludes from book 1 or 2?

Hmmm...decisions decisions...

Best wishes,

[gerryjay]

I really like the first three selections of composers. 

I feel like no matter which program you choose, Bach must be included. But I also feel the Schubert is a must as it's your "warhorse." This already pretty much fills your 40 minutes; I find a Bach - Schubert - Debussy effective. Are the Debussy preludes from book 1 or 2?

Hmmm...decisions decisions...

Best wishes,

Dear BBS,
thanks four your post.

Debussy's preludes are from book one (Ce qu'a vu le vent d'Ouest and La danse de Puck). But his Ondine (Prelude 8 from book two) is also a promising work, perhaps it will be even better than these two.

Bach...well, the question is the syllabus. Although I put on the list this prelude and fugue, I think it is not a good idea, because it is noticeable not on the same level of interpretation (and confidence) of the rest. However, it makes me think that I could pick a free Bach (it strangely didn't me occur so far). Let me check the rules and, if this is possible, I'll list my real hardcore Bach works...

Best regards,
Jay.

[mlbbaseball]

do you mean ondine by ravel?

[gerryjay]

do you mean ondine by ravel?

No, I mean Ondine by Debussy (Prelude VIII from the second book of Preludes).

[mlbbaseball]

oh i was confused for a moment.

[kelly_kelly]

I really don't think you need the Bach if you would rather not play it. I did DipABRSM with my "earliest" piece being Schubert D. 664 - the examiners were fine with it, and balance is even less important at a licentiate level, so...

[gerryjay]

I really don't think you need the Bach if you would rather not play it. I did DipABRSM with my "earliest" piece being Schubert D. 664 - the examiners were fine with it, and balance is even less important at a licentiate level, so...

Dear Kelly,
thanks for your post. I think that my earliest composer will be Schubert as well, because I am almost decided to play his sonata, both Debussy preludes, and the Ginastera dances.
Best regards,
Jay.