1 hour performance?

[thinkgreenlovepiano]

Hi everyone, I hope I posted this in the right place!

I offered to play piano at a senior home in my neighbourhood. However, I found out that they want me to play two weeks from now and that it has to be 45 minutes- hour. So I'm a bit worried because firstly, I don't know what to play. Also most of the pieces I know are short, around 5 minutes

 1) Would it be ok to play a bunch of short/ easy pieces? By easy, I mean stuff like

 

2) Any suggestions for pieces I could learn in about 2 weeks?

3) Are these pieces ok for performing (these are what I would be comfortable performing so far)

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I can also play a single movement of a sonata, or actually, single movements of multiple sonatas... but would that be weird?

Or maybe should I decline altogether? I didn't expect to be asked to play so soon (there's a waitlist for volunteers)!

Sorry for all the links to youtube videos... I figured it'd be better than naming the pieces since not all of them are so well knownn...

[49410enrique]

i think it's great you're doing this. i feel they folks will like whatever you bring in for them as long as you play well and with enthusiasm.  get as close to an hour as you can and really any mix of whatever you can play the best , they didn't give u much time for prep so better simpler well played songs than so so hard ones.

good luck let us know how it turns out.

btw this is cool thought you'd get a kick of this, i really love this video, shows you what it's all about at the end of the day don't you think? i.e fun

ps if you don't quite get enough perhaps approach one of the the waitlisters and do a duo you provide approx half of the program and the other pianist the other, you don't have to play all of yours then the other you two can swap in and out, i think that would be enjoyable too. if the home has a problem with it they're probably too uptight to work with long term tough i feel bad since the seniors lose out at least they have a list of willing pianists willing to up with that krap.

[quantum]

This is a great opportunity to improvise.  You could mix up some of your repertoire with improvisations and get that 1 hour worth of music.

I wouldn't be too worried about playing single movements from sonatas.  The situation sounds more informal and there is no need to impose concert etiquette.  

[thinkgreenlovepiano]

 I loved that video, 49410enrique. I don't know who the other waitlisters are but I might ask a friend to come along and play.

This is a great opportunity to improvise.  You could mix up some of your repertoire with improvisations and get that 1 hour worth of music.

I wouldn't be too worried about playing single movements from sonatas.  The situation sounds more informal and there is no need to impose concert etiquette.  

Yes I think the improvisation idea would sound fun! Thanks!

I didn't even know that was part of concert etiquette   just that both of the movements I know end with "attacca" so it sounds kind of funny if I just stop... I don't know...

Thanks for all your replies. I guess I'm just worried that my performance will pale in comparison with the other pianists. I'm not very experienced and I really want the residents to enjoy the music and not get bored.

[Bob]

It's ok to play anything for events like that.  Although I think I'd stay away from atonal stuff.  Easy stuff is good filler and a mental break.  No one notices or cares how difficult the music is.

[quantum]

I didn't even know that was part of concert etiquette   just that both of the movements I know end with "attacca" so it sounds kind of funny if I just stop... I don't know...

Some people are obstinate that multi-movement works are meant to be heard in their entirety.  If there is a direct transition into another movement and you wish to end the piece, compose a short codetta or cadence in the style of the piece to bring it to a close. 

Likewise if you want to extend a piece of music, there is no hurt in repeating.  You can also mix and match pieces.  Eg: Say you had an arrangement of the carol Lo how a rose e'er blooming, you play your arrangement, play the carol "straight" a few times, perhaps with some improv, and you do a da capo with the arrangement again.   

Another idea, if some of these people can play piano you could invite them to do a duet with you.  They don't even have to be real "pianists."  Eg: If someone knows Jingle Bells with one finger, have them play it while you improvise around that theme. 

I agree with Bob, people are not really looking for 1 hour of virtuosic music.  Just have them enjoy the moment. 

[birba]

They will love ANYTHING you play!  Take it from me.  I did lots of gigs like that when I was young(ER).  They will love you.  It's the most gratifying audience you can find anywhere.  Listen to all the advice that's been given to you here - short pieces, improvisations, hammerklavier, you name it.  I remember once I played in a mental hospitol and in the midst of the first movement of the moonlight, this lady came up to the piano, leaned on it, and stared at me until a nurse sort of coaxed her to return to her seat.  It's a whole different world.  They might clap along with you, sing, etc. but they have great respect for you and what you're doing.

[thinkgreenlovepiano]

Wow thanks for all the advice
@ quantum A duet would be really cool!
 And thanks for sharing your experience birba

I agree with Bob, people are not really looking for 1 hour of virtuosic music.  Just have them enjoy the moment. 

I can't play any virtuosic music anyway But I have another question. My sister told me I should avoid playing the Chopin Nocturne (in b flat minor). She said it was too sad... ?

[amelialw]

Previously I relied on Chopin étude op.10 no.4 or about 10+ mins of Czerny op.299 to warm up. Have been trying not to though now cause I don't want to become dependent on it,now I generally start with Schubert impromptu op.90 no.1 without warmup at full speed just to see how long I can last playing with cold hands

[quantum]

But I have another question. My sister told me I should avoid playing the Chopin Nocturne (in b flat minor). She said it was too sad... ?

You don't have to play happy music all the time.  A little verbal introduction to the piece and what you see in it will help your listeners connect to the music.   If you like that Nocturne (as do I), by all means play it. 

I've played the Chopin Funeral March in some situations that made people laugh hysterically.  I've also played the same piece in a funeral mass.  It's all about using the piece in context.   You can play sad music and make your listeners happy for it.  

[birba]

Quantum is right.  A verbal introduction is always welcome in these situations.  It establishes a more intimate contact with the audience.