"A major solo work"

[rachmaninoff_forever]

What exactly does that mean?  I keep hearing that phrase thrown around: "a major solo work".  Especially in like audition requirements for competitions or colleges.  Is like a time thing?  Like after X amount of minutes its considered a major work?  What about minor works?  Are they not as important as major works?  What are some examples of major and minor works?

[j_menz]

In the context it usually relates to both length and complexity, and might also reflect on it's importance in a composer's body of work or in the rep generally.  A complete Schumann work, say Kinderscenen, would qualify but just an exerpt from it wouldn't (say Traumerei).  Bach suite vs an Allemande, complete Beethoven Sonata vs a Scherzo.

I don't think there's a strict definition (more than 200 bars and over ten minutes, say), but more of a gut feel. For auditions/competitions, I think if you're in any doubt you should probably look for another piece.