Can't settle on repertoire for Juilliard/NEC/Peabody!

[koalalove]

Hi, I've been trying to settle on a repertoire for my auditions, but I'm struggling. I have my options narrowed down to two for each, but I can't decide.

So far I am definite on:
Bach P&F in B-flat major
Prokofiev etude op 2 no 1
Ravel Gaspard de la Nuit Ondine

Given that^ what is the best option for my Romantic work, Chopin etude, and classical sonata?
Chopin Ballade 1 vs Scherzo 2
Chopin etude op 10 no 1, 4, or maybe Ocean(?)
Beethoven Pathetique or Tempest

I know these might all be overplayed, but I have already read all of them, and I'm trying to reduce the work I have to do. Any thoughts? This is urgent! Thanks in advance!

[flashyfingers]

Do Beethoven Les Adieux. It is an amazing sonata. Or even better, a Schubert sonata.

As far as romantic, Idk? The Chopin ballade or scherzo might be too much. Try something light and sophisticated, like Chopin mazurka, for example op 17 no 4 in A minor=to die for. Hearing Horowitz play it in the documentary "the last romantic", it just has been stuck in my head for days, and such a somber mood, but so jazzy!

[pianoman1349]

Chopin Etude: Op. 10 No. 4 is my default etude for auditions, exams, competitions ... etc. It's really impressive sounding, and shows off really well in auditions.  It is also less subjective than some of the other etudes (most people play it the same way, more or less).

One of my friends played Op. 10 No. 8 for her audition at Indianna University, and got a scholarship for it, so it might be worth considering as well.  Op. 25 No 12 is like Op. 10 no 4, except it is often considered as an "easier" etude when it definitely is not.

As for classical sonata, the opening two bar largo section of the Tempest is deadly ... the panel will usually form their opinion on your performance based on the way you play that opening largo section.  The same can be said about the Pathetique.  Go with what your teacher thinks will sound best on you.  Or better yet, play what makes you feel more confident.

Romantic work -- I think the Ballade shows will show off your maturity more than the scherzo.  THe opening motive of the 2nd scherzo is also very hard to gauge on a new piano and hall, as the silence between each motive is dependent a lot on the hall.  An impressive and insightful opening passage of the first ballade will really stand out as the ballades are considered among Chopin's greatest works.

A professor once told me this about audition panels ... many profs have a hard time sitting on audition panels, as they are like cattle-call auditions, where they listen to hours of music without break.  Often, outstanding performances may be underappreciated as the panel may be so tired of listening that they may confuse aspects of one performance with another.  The point is, that you should make sure that you enjoy playing the program that you go into the audition and give a performance that you are proud of.  And leave all of the evaluation stuff to the panel.

Best of luck.

[koalalove]

Thanks for the responses! I will probably stick with the ballade 1 and etude op 10 no 4.

Also, is the Pathetique overplayed? I am leaning towards that, but if it's on the easier side plus it's a common piece, I don't know if that will be a disadvantage...

Can anyone recommend me a Prokofiev or Stravinsky etude?

[four_ballades]

Etude:

Op. 10/no. 4 is a great choice. I might also take a look at op. 10/no. 10. The piece is a great way to show one's touch (if that is a strength of yours). No. 4 is much more common, and sometimes going for the lesser played can be good.

Chopin:

I'd say try the 1st or 3rd ballade (4 is clearly the masterwork if you're feeling up for it). I would avoid the 2nd scherzo because it is played so much. The 3rd scherzo is a good option instead. In a similar vein of his works, you could consider the Barcarolle (another masterwork) or Bercuese (much lighter in feel the the ballades).

Beethoven sonata:

I'd move away from the Pathetique. It's played a lot. My pick would likely be op. 2/no. 3 (C major). Adequately difficult and more "classical" as well.

Other etude options:

Scriabin etudes: op. 8/no. 12 is obviously the famous one, but there are others to consider; have a listen

Hope this helps.