ABRSM Piano Diploma help

[cameronbiles]

So, I've done my grade 8 and trying to decide what to do too fill up that 35mins slot. At the moment I'm thinking of doing the Brahms rhapsody in G minor and the two Gershwin numbers.Also I'm contemplating whether or not to do the ravel sonatine other than that I'm open to suggestions!

Thanks for reading

[ming304]

How bout a beethoven sonata?

[whistlestop]

As well as filling the time and providing good programme notes the examiner will be looking for a performance that shows your technique to advantage. I think the requirement is a for a varied programme.
If you've decided on the Brahms and some Gershwin that more or less covers romantic and modern styles. A Beethoven sonata has been suggested which is good if you have the time, but these are BIG ( i.e long) pieces and you might have a problem fitting one in.
How about something Baroque / Classical such as Scarlatti, Bach or Mozart? Haydn is another possibility, or Couperin.
Not sure if Takemitsu is on the suggested list for the dip but you could always do something very modern to balance the Brahms.

[beethovenopus2no3movt2]

 

[cameronbiles]

Yeah I was considering to do a classical sonata however I hate to sound awkward but not a mad fan of Beethoven's piano works Ill have a listen to the Haydn though, also If I have some time to fill I might do the Debussy prelude X engulfed cathedral - just like every other student   

[cameronbiles]

Also would the Bartok be acceptable as a balance for the brahms ?

[g_s_223]

Beautifully played Mozart is always welcome. Some of the middle period Sonatas are a pure delight, and there are also a number of fine Variations if that better suits your skill set.

[whistlestop]

Bartok is a step in the right direction if you don't mind playing it; it may as well be something you enjoy if you're going to spend a long time with it. For me, Debussy is a bit close in period to Brahms although their styles are quite different - both quite lush.
Another vote for Mozart -  but I can sympathize with your reluctance to take on a Beethoven sonata. It's like wrestling a grizzly bear and there's a whole lot of work in it - I know, because I'm working on Les Adieux and have already made up my mind I'm not going to do it for LTCL; it's just too big for me.

Work out your timing carefully and see what sort of gap you have left to fill.

[cameronbiles]

Haha , that and I'm not a fan of his piano works at all if I'm honest but yes I'll tot up the times it's around about 10 mins now so we have still 25 mins tops to play with 

[whistlestop]

You'll probably change your mind several times before you settle on something; this is where it's fun - trying things out to find what suits you.
25 mins is nice; bags of time for 2 manageable (different ) works so you don't get bored or 1 mega-work which will probably have to be your major piece. (I'm working on Bach English suite no 2 which would probably use all that time so I may end up dropping it after months of work )

Try and save 3-4 mins at the end for a lightweight lollipop to make the examiner smile; just make sure you do it beautifully.  I have to say that AB dip repertoire is not overloaded with fun things, though.

[thepianist09]

You must always make contrasts as pieces to show your piano skills all round - musicality and technical ability. Here is what I would do:

Beethoven - Sonata in C minor (‘Pathétique’), Op.13: complete
Brahms - Intermezzo in A, Op.118 no.2
Chopin - Mazurka in C# minor
Schubert - Impromptu in Gb, Op.90 no.3, D899/3

If there is time for another perhaps contrast and do either of the Gershwins.

Good luck.

[pytheamateur]

So, I've done my grade 8 and trying to decide what to do too fill up that 35mins slot. At the moment I'm thinking of doing the Brahms rhapsody in G minor and the two Gershwin numbers.Also I'm contemplating whether or not to do the ravel sonatine other than that I'm open to suggestions!

Thanks for reading

Have you considered doing the ATCL instead of the DipABRSM? The former's list of repertoire is more varied and they are more flexible with candidates playing pieces not on the official list. That's the impression I got when I was looking into doing a diploma in performance.

[cameronbiles]

No , but I shall look into it - thanks for sharing