ATCL programme - views?

[jknott]

I'm considering an ATCL performance diploma, if my teacher thinks I'm ready (I did G8 over 35 years ago and have been playing again for a year and a half).  Obviously I will ask him about the programme too but do any of you have thoughts about the options below (including the order)? I know the Brahms, Mozart and Ravel already and love them all, and have been trying to add others for balance to get to the required length of 32-38 mins. 

Is it OK not to do a sonata given I've got the long-ish Mozart piece?


Option 1 [length 34-35 mins]
Bach - Partita 6 - Toccata - E minor [7 mins]
Ravel - Pavane pour une Infante defunte - G major [6-7 mins]
Brahms - Intermezzo op.117 no.2 - B flat minor [5 mins]
Schumann - Grillen - D flat major [3 mins]
Mozart - Fantasia in C minor op. 475 [~13 mins] - need to get permission as it's not on the repertoire list

Option 2 [length 34-35 mins]
Bach - Partita 6 - Toccata - E minor [7 mins]
Brahms - Ballade op.10 no.4 - B major [8 mins] - need permission as not on list
Mozart - Fantasia in C minor op.475 [~13 mins] - need permission as not on list
Ravel - Pavane pour une Infante defunte - G major [6-7 mins]

Option 3 [length 33-34 mins]
Bach - Partita 1 - Prelude and Gigue - B flat major [3 mins]
Ravel - Pavane pour une Infante defunte - G major [6-7 mins]
Brahms - Ballade op.10 no.4 - B major [8 mins] - need permission
Schumann - Grillen - D flat major [3 mins]
Mozart - Fantasia in C minor op.475 [~13 mins] - need permission

Thank you!

[symphonicdance]

Impressive courage and good luck!

It is fine to have a programme without any sonata at all.  Any one of your options deems to be balanced, but when you apply for approval of own choice(s), you can only send one.  So, I would suggest you to whichever one you are most comfortable.  Nonetheless, please allow me to share my thoughts.

Toccata from Bach Partita No 6 is actually fairly difficult, as I am using the entire partita for my upcoming FTCL challenge.  However, I suspect the assessment of this piece at ATCL level will be less demanding.  If you aim for FTCL in due course, then perhaps you pick another baroque piece so that this toccata can be used later.  BTW, Scarlatti K27 is seemingly a popular choice for ATCL as many students used it for their ABRSM Grade 8.

I think that your Mozart K475 will likely be accepted as own choice.  It is on Licentitate syllabus of Royal Conservatory of Music.  Yet, often I hear that whilst a Mozart piece as the choice for classical period seems to be relatively safer(?!) and easier(?!), it is actually quite hard to score high because the candidate needs to make it sound Mozart.  However, as you did mention, you know and love the piece, I suppose you have nothing to worry.

Last but not the least, there is no requirement on the playing sequence, i.e. not necessarily starting from baroque.  Some teachers suggest to start with one of which the candidate has most confidence, and end with one that has brilliant/sonic ending sound.