College Audition Repertoire

[hsheck]

Hello PianoStreet Users!

I am currently a junior in high-school preparing for college piano auditions. One of the schools I'll be auditioning for is the Curtis Institute of Music. Below is a list of my audition repertoire. I would just like to hear others thoughts regarding the program. Thank you!

1. J.S. Bach Prelude and Fugue in D Major
2. Beethoven Sonata Op. 27 No. 1
3. Chopin Fast Selection: Etude in C Sharp Minor
- Chopin Slow Selection: Mazurka in C Sharp Minor
4.Major Work: Chopin Fantasy in F Minor

[j_menz]

The first three line up with requirements and seem fine. Not sure I'd have gone with a mazurka, though - but then I've never been a great fan of those compared to his other stuff.

For the major work, given you have already done 2 Chopin pieces, maybe someone else would be preferable?

[charmsjr94]

Is the that the D major prelude from the WTC? I played that last semester

[austinarg]

Can you play a Nocturne instead of the Mazurka? The major work must be Chopin?

[hsheck]

The first three line up with requirements and seem fine. Not sure I'd have gone with a mazurka, though - but then I've never been a great fan of those compared to his other stuff.

For the major work, given you have already done 2 Chopin pieces, maybe someone else would be preferable?

Because many students will perform the Chopin Nocturnes I believe the mazurka will set me apart. I possibly could substitute the Major work for a more contemporary piece.

@ charmsjr94 Yes, the very one.

[karen_1704]

too much Chopin I guess? I think it's better if you show more variety. Good luck 

[cjp_piano]

Too much Chopin

[hsheck]

Below is the list of works my teacher and I have decided to audition with.

1. J.S. Bach Prelude and Fugue in D Major
2. Beethoven Sonata Op. 27 No. 1
3. Chopin Fast Selection: Etude in C Sharp Minor
- Chopin Slow Selection: Mazurka in C Sharp Minor
4. Major Work: Copland's piano variations

[j_menz]

4. Major Work: Copland's piano variations

Bernstein called these a "synonym for modern music — so prophetic, harsh and wonderful, and so full of modern feeling and thinking". I think he meant it as a compliment.

It's an excellent choice and contrasts nicely with the other pieces on your list. Hard to pull off, I would think, so wish you well.

[asuhayda]

Below is the list of works my teacher and I have decided to audition with.

1. J.S. Bach Prelude and Fugue in D Major
2. Beethoven Sonata Op. 27 No. 1
3. Chopin Fast Selection: Etude in C Sharp Minor
- Chopin Slow Selection: Mazurka in C Sharp Minor
4. Major Work: Copland's piano variations

FYI... No.4 in c# minor is ahead of most curriculum.  I didn't play that 'till my sophomore year.  Probably doesn't matter though.. kids are playing HR #2 in 8th grade nowadays.

Good luck!

[okanaganmusician]

First of all, GREAT choice to start with a Prelude and fugue.  Not enough can be said about being able to play Bach well - it says a lot about you as a piano player.

Glad you decided to go with Copland instead of another Chopin - you want to be well-rounded and contrasting in your program and that provides that.

I'm assuming you are doing the complete Sonata - surprised that doesn't count as a major work.

[brendan765]

Pull out some Rachmaninoff! Or even Shubert Impromptus are a great choice. I don't particulary like Chopin Muzurkas but some do. Chopin is always a great choice.