RCM Level 10 Pieces

[keelan]

I've been thinking about the following pieces for my RCM Level 10 exam:

Bach - Prelude and Fugue No. 16 in G Minor, WTC I
Haydn - Sonata XVI:32 in B minor
Schubert - Impromptu Op. 90 No. 2 E-flat Major
Ravel - Prelude from Le Tombeau de Couperin
Maurice Dela - Hommage

1: Would you change anything? If so, what should I change it to?

2: If you've played any of these pieces, do you have any suggestions or thoughts about places you struggled?



A link to the syllabus with the Level 10 list: https://www.musicdevelopmentprogram.org/sites/default/files/files/MDP_PianoSyllabus_2013%20online_SECURE(1).pdf



Thanks!   

[justgatsby]

Sounds fine to me. My only comment is that the Schubert impromptu is incredibly popular in these exams (if that is a concern for you). Op. 90 no.4 is another beautiful impromptu which seems to be less popular - that may simply be because it is not in the book.

[nanabush]

KUDOS if you are playing the Ravel... I strongly think that piece is more difficult than any of the List D pieces in grade 10 (aside from the Rachmaninoff Elegie and the Griffes 'Fountains of the Aqua Paola')...

I agree with the Schubert...for me, it's a little repetitive; he has a few gorgeous Impromptus that I find a little more interesting (Gb major, and the one in the Grade 10 book).

Good choice with the Bach; the Haydn is a solid piece too, it's a good showcase for understanding that musical era (tons of variation in the sonata, good technical bits, and it's got some funny stuff that you can totally exploit).

If I could suggest anything else for the List C, you should take a look at Brahms Op. 117 or 118.  I'm a bit biased to 118, because I played the set for a recital this year.  But the first three movements are in Grade 10, and they are INCREDIBLE works that will grow on you.  Op 117, all three movements are fair game, but I like the first one the best.  I'd say because you have the Ravel which is a complete beast IMO, a more delicate List C might balance it a bit more.  But either way, the program is good, and you are probably fine with the Schubert anyway 

Look at the Rach G minor etude; it's a bit of a difficulty shock compared to most of the other etudes, but again it's just such a great standalone work (and for me, it opened me to most of his other works, namely the rest of the Études, and the Preludes).  Maybe one of the contemporary etudes would be cool too?  I think they added a few in the new Grade 10 book; I think there's one called "where the frog goes wandering" or something along those lines (sorry!!) but I remember hearing it and was intrigued 

Anyway, enjoy the HECK out of the rep; from here it only grows exponentially.  If you are comfortable with this level of rep, and continue with building technique, the amount of music available from these composers is astonishing.  The ARCT doesn't even scratch the surface lol.