Repertoire Fluidity

[yodaofpiano]

Hi! So, I'm starting to look ahead and plan out what solo pieces I want to play together as a program for various competitions later this year and next, and I was wondering, how do you all pick pieces that work well with, or complement each other. I know that there can be an argument made that nearly all piano solo works are amazing in their own right, but sometimes when grouped or paired with another piece in a program the result can be less than satisfactory. My piano teacher is always looking for pieces that can achieve a sort of ying-yang program where everything is represented. I know one general rule is to not overload your program with too much of one composer or time period (unless of course that is a theme of your recital or concert), but rather include some pieces across the spectrum? Do you all agree? What other things do you look for in pieces when you try to find great fits in programs?

[j_menz]

As a listener, I generally like there to be some connection between the pieces (or at least all the pieces before interval and all the pieces after).  I'm generally not too fussed about what that should be - it can be explained, either verbally or in the notes - but I like the pieces to have an added dimension as a whole than just their seperate characteristics.  That gives an added quality to the recital. The better the connection, and the more variety between the pieces, the more entertaining the experience.

The connection can be pretty abstract, and is often better when it is.