ATCL Pieces

[scott13]

Hey all,

Sorry for another one of these threads, i just would like some ideas regarding my ATCL program. Nothing is set in stone but the following pieces are in my list because i play them all very well and have strong emotional connections to them.

1) Beethoven Sonata in C Minor Op 13
2) Bach Prelude and Fugue #16 in G Minor  WTC 1
3) Chopin Polonaise's Op 40 #1 & 2
4) Prokofiev Vision Fugitives  # 2, 11 & 14

So far this seems to me to be a fairly balanced program that almost perfectly hits 38 minutes. My only real concern is 3 of the substantial works are in Minor keys, which could possible be an issue?

Thanks in advance for the comments,

[gerryjay]

Hey all,

Sorry for another one of these threads, i just would like some ideas regarding my ATCL program. Nothing is set in stone but the following pieces are in my list because i play them all very well and have strong emotional connections to them.

1) Beethoven Sonata in C Minor Op 13
2) Bach Prelude and Fugue #16 in G Minor  WTC 1
3) Chopin Polonaise's Op 40 #1 & 2
4) Prokofiev Vision Fugitives  # 2, 11 & 14

So far this seems to me to be a fairly balanced program that almost perfectly hits 38 minutes. My only real concern is 3 of the substantial works are in Minor keys, which could possible be an issue?

Thanks in advance for the comments,

Dear Scott,
nice program. Anyway, I don't think the double Chopin is a good idea to an audition. Both are long, they share much in common...I mean, all that you can prove with one is done: the second will add nothing to your program.

Do you have any other ATCL stuff in your belt?

About the minor mood, I think it is not an issue, because you have passages (and movements) in the major mode.

Best regards,
Jay.

[scott13]

Thanks for the feedback.

Yes the two Polonaises share a lot in common but my main reasoning behind playing both is for the historical contrast. Chopin's Op 40 #1 is said to embody the national patriotic spirit of Poland, while the Op 40 #2 embodies the idiom of Polish national tragedy and together they make a quite pleasant contrast. However they are quite long and as you noted share many characteristics, and could potentially put me over the time limit of 38 minutes.

As for other ATCL pieces, i have covered some of the Rach etudes and preludes, 2 of Clementi's Sonatas, 2 of Mozart's fantasies, and 1 of his sonatas, also several Bach prelude and fugues and one other Beethoven sonata. As i noted before, my program was built around the pieces i know very well where as some of the other works studied i do not know as well.

[gerryjay]

Dear Scott,
you are welcome.

Yes the two Polonaises share a lot in common but my main reasoning behind playing both is for the historical contrast. Chopin's Op 40 #1 is said to embody the national patriotic spirit of Poland, while the Op 40 #2 embodies the idiom of Polish national tragedy and together they make a quite pleasant contrast. However they are quite long and as you noted share many characteristics, and could potentially put me over the time limit of 38 minutes.

This is a cool idea, but I think the audition is not a proper place for this amount of detail. If you are playing a recital of, let's say, Polish music, it will fits perfectly. But when the basic premise is to show yourself as an unabridged pianist, it can backfire. Notwithstanding, I think that one of these is a very good choice.

About the rest of your repertoire, I have no doubts: choose an etude by Rach (or a prelude-etude pair), and you will be fine. I like the Mozart much more than Rach, but in your case, the later will add more contrast and a touch of brilliance that will enhance everything. Furthermore, although Rach and Prokofiev are russians and contemporaries, their languages is very different.

Best regards,
Jay.