Help with Contrasting Pieces?

[zach_lee406]

So I am entering a competition that asks for two contrasting pieces. I am definitely playing Chopins Scherzo No.2 as one of them. What would be another piece of contrasting style that I could play that is around the same skill level?

Just for reference, I am pretty well versed in the romantic period, particularly Chopin.  I do not think this competition would prefer me to play another Chopin/Romantic piece, but I am not sure exactly what judges in general mean when they say "contrasting styles".

Also, how advanced would you say my skill level is if I am a senior in high school? Is this a difficult/impressive enough piece to audition with?

Any suggestions would be very appreciated!

[kalirren]

The 2nd Scherzo is very diverse in its challenges.  It is fast, slow, lyrical, chordal, and has sonata form.  But it is neither very percussive (toccata-like) nor very polyphonic.  For that reason, I would choose something like a Bach or Handel fugue.

The Scherzo can be very impressive when well played, but is a bit "overplayed", and has a tendency to get noisy.  Let that inspire you, though.

[faulty_damper]

A contrasting piece is usually a piece from another musical era, e.g. "modern" (e.g. Prokofiev), "impressionism" (e.g. Debussy), "classical" (e.g. Beethoven.)

As for skill level, people aren't impressed that you're a 17-year-old.  If you were 7, then people would be impressed.  But in all honesty, playing well isn't good enough.  Making music is the epitome of piano-playing so aim for making music.  If you have to ask what good music-making is, you aren't there yet.