Grade 8 A list.

[shoremusic]

I am currently preparing for my grade 8 piano exam from the ABRSM 2015-2016 syllabus.

For my A piece I have picked the sonata in F minor by Scarlatti.

the other two pieces are both a 'Prelude and Fugue'. One is by William Alwyn and one is by Bach (of course).
These two other pieces just seem that little bit more difficult than the sonata and I've picked up the Sonata really quickly.

I was wondering if anyone else thinks the same? Or why this is the case? This is not a complaint of course because I am enjoying the Sonata greatly. My gut feeling is that most people would choose this piece.

[hardy_practice]

Mystifies me sometimes too, but pieces are as difficult as you want to make them.

[dima_76557]

These two other pieces just seem that little bit more difficult than the sonata and I've picked up the Sonata really quickly.

I guess you are talking about the K 239? In that case, "seem" is probably the right word:

&t=4m41s

[shoremusic]

The suggested tempo is much slower than that in the book. Much slower.

[dima_76557]

The suggested tempo is much slower than that in the book. Much slower.

You asked why the piece is ranked "Grade 8". Well, tempo is probably part of the difficulty to keep all the articulations clean enough. No matter what the "suggested" tempo is, it's a piece with impressions about Spain, so the Spanish heartbeat should be felt throughout (think flamenco that often has a heartbeat of about 140 BPM). Besides, there is a well-established culture on the harpsichord as well with about the same heartbeat (= 138):

[shoremusic]

I see what you mean.

At the end of the day, I guess everyone finds certain things more difficult. This sonata is perfect for me!