Competition order?

[david456103]

Hi guys,
I'm entering a piano competition in a couple of months, which requires 30 minutes of music. Here is my program:
Beethoven...Sonata op. 53, mvmt. I
Liszt...Transcendental Etude #4, "Mazeppa"
Ravel...Gaspard de la nuit mvmt. I, "Ondine"
Messiaen...Vingt regards #13, "Noel"

I was wondering which order is best to perform this program? I was thinking:
1. Ravel
2. Messiaen
3. Beethoven
4. Liszt

Tell me what you think! Any input is appreciated!

[wwalrus]

I'm pretty sure programs are supposed to be from more substantial to less. Based on that, i'd say:

1.Beethoven
2. Ravel
3. Liszt
4. Messiaen- not sure about this one, i'm not familiar with it.

[david456103]

what does "substantial" mean?

[wwalrus]

https://lmgtfy.com/?q=define%3A+substantial

[david456103]

lol i know what substantial means. i was just wondering what it meant in the context of a program.

[blazekenny]

I hate when people play just one movement from these late sonatas. They are big stories, and to cut them like this is like watching only one third of a film...

[david456103]

is waldstein considered late?? unfortunately, i couldn't fit the whole sonata due to (obvious) time restrictions, but im also still a little scared to perform the 3rd mvmt.

[j_menz]

For a competition, start with your second strongest piece and finish with your strongest.

Start with a piece with a strong opening, finish with a piece with a strong ending.

In other words, start off by grabbing their attention and letting them know you're going to be good, and finish with a reminder of just how good you are.

[swagmaster420x]

that looks so hard x_x

[david456103]

@j_menz: my strongest, IMO, is the ravel and beethoven, second strongest liszt, weakest messiaen. starting with liszt doesn't seem like a good idea though...

@swagmaster420x: LOL i'm just hoping i get the A section of mazeppa 100% accurate 

[j_menz]

@j_menz: my strongest, IMO, is the ravel and beethoven, second strongest liszt, weakest messiaen. starting with liszt doesn't seem like a good idea though...

That makes the Liszt your third strongest. 11(tie)34.  Use rule 2 to sort between the equals.

[sendaen]

I'm pretty sure programs are supposed to be from more substantial to less. Based on that, i'd say:

1.Beethoven
2. Ravel
3. Liszt
4. Messiaen- not sure about this one, i'm not familiar with it.

agree with it!