Audition Repertoire, help please!

[anjiet]

Hi everyone! I'm sorry, I'm new to this so I'm not quite sure on if this is an appropriate topic for this forum, but I really need help. I'm auditioning for my community college's applied music major program. I was playing Chopin's Ballade No.1 in the practice room, and my music professor overheard and came up to me and introduced me to the program. I suggested that I audition with the Ballade, and he told me I shouldn't audition with it, but instead audition something more simple, so he told me I should play Chopin's Nocturne in Bb minor Op 9 No. 1, and I'm not sure about the next one. It's supposed to be contrasting. I was thinking Smit, Maarten's Train Rhythm? Here's a link to the video of the audio,

And another piece I have in mind, but I'm not sure if it's contrasting enough is Mario Miladin's Maybe This Time?

If you have any other suggestions, it would be beyond helpful! Thank you so much!

[prestoconfuocco]

Well - the nocturne is slow and lyrical, but doesn't show much technique, so a good contrasting piece is something faster that shows more than just melody and emotion, but dynamism and harmonic expression. (Preferably in a major key)
One good idea is Bach's prelude and fugue in B flat from WTC I -

It's technical, lively, has a nice amount of counterpoint and has plenty of room for harmonic expression.
Another good idea is the first movement from Debussy's "Children's Corner" suite - Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum:

Amazingly fun to play, and makes a great contrast to the nocturne.
Good luck!

[kitty on the keys]

I would listen to the college teacher. Have a look at these.

Scarlatti   Sonatas
Haydn       Sonatas
Mozart      d minor Fantasy
Debussy     Dr Gradus or the 1st Arabesque
Grieg         Nocturne, Puck

Show your best and try not to bite off more than you can successfully play confidently.


Good luck!

Kitty on the Keys