Franck Prelude, chorale and fugue or Schumann Humoreske

[whitebeagle]

Hi Everyone

I've posted this under a different heading before but was hoping to get more opinions from many helpful people here. I'm doing a recital which contains Chopin Barcarolle, 4th ballade and Liszt Sonetto 104 del petrarca and trascendental etude 10. In the middle I'd like to play the Franck or the Schumann but can't decide! Which piece would fit in better with my other pieces and also the audience members? People who will be there are mostly my students/parents and friends, most love music but not very knowledgeable. Please help me decide!

[thalbergmad]

It would have to be the Franck as that fits in nicely with the other romantics.

Schumann would pollute your recital.

Thal

[ahinton]

It would have to be the Franck as that fits in nicely with the other romantics.

Schumann would pollute your recital.

I agree (apart from the bit about Schumann from our resident professional Schumann hater!), although Franck's Prélude, Aria et Final is, I think, a better work and, as it's less well known than his Prélude, Chorale et Fugue, it pehaps deserves an airing here.

Best,

Alistair

[thalbergmad]

I am not a professional Schumann hater.

I willingly do it for nothing.

Thal

[whitebeagle]

Thanks both for your opinions. I agree prelude, aria and finale is a fine work but the recital is next month and I can't risk learning a new work this month! I've been wanting to learn it for some time though. Thalbergmad is the Schumann really that bad? I understand he isn't your favourite composer but I thought the big 3 of romantic piano music might tie in well in the same recital. I can also see that the Franck would provide a good contrast.

[patrickd]

Franck.

[g_s_223]

No offence meant, but that seems a pretty heavy programme of dense Romantic music. How about rebalancing with some lighter fare to start, e.g. Bach, Mozart?

[thalbergmad]

I understand he isn't your favourite composer but I thought the big 3 of romantic piano music might tie in well in the same recital. I can also see that the Franck would provide a good contrast.

Schumann is is not in the same class as Liszt & Chopin and I cannot see how his music would fit in, as to what is a romantic recital.

If you have not got time to learn the Franck, the suggestion above is a good one.

Thal

[kitty on the keys]

What a great program! But I might   wonder if it is a little to 'heavy' for the audiance you said you are playing. I would ask myself, Is the program for me or them? I think something fun and light might balance out the program. Some Brahms or Chopin Waltzes, something Spanish or French. Good luck with your program....Love that Franck piece!!!

Kitty on the Keys

[ahinton]

I am not a professional Schumann hater.

I willingly do it for nothing.

Point taken, of course - but you do it as though you were one nevertheless! Even had he arranged his piano Fantasy for banjo ensemble I somehow suspect that your view of his would be the same as it is now...

Best,

Alistair

[ahinton]

Schumann is is not in the same class as Liszt & Chopin

Nor Alkan - as a piano composer, that is - but he's not so very far behind as you believe him to be...

Best,

Alistair

[whitebeagle]

No offence meant, but that seems a pretty heavy programme of dense Romantic music. How about rebalancing with some lighter fare to start, e.g. Bach, Mozart?

Normally I would, but I decided the theme will be 19th century music. I'm sharing the recital with a friend who will play Rachmaninoff, Albeniz and Schumann in the 2nd half. Do you think it's still too heavy a programme?

[g_s_223]

Schubert is 19th Century, and can be seen as transitional from Classical to Romantic in style. His Impromtus/Moments Musicaux might work as a first course.

[whitebeagle]

Thanks everyone. I've taken your comments on board and have revised the programme. It now looks like this-

Schubert- Impromptu op.90. no.2
Chopin- Nocturne in F minor Op.55
           Barcarolle
Franck- Prelude, chorale and fugue
Liszt- Sonetto 104 del petrarca
         Trascendental etude no.10
encore- Chopin Mazurka no .26 in c sharp minor

If you have any more suggestions, let me know!