ATCL recital program

[knb4]

Hi,
I'm considering the following repertoire for an ATCL exam:

Bach - prelude and fugue in F minor (WTC bk 1) [~8min]
Bach - french suite nr 5 in G major (or nr. 4 in Eb) [~12min]
Brahms - intermezzo op.118, 1 [~2min]
Brahms - intermezzo op. 118, 2 [~6min]
Sculthorpe - night pieces [~7min]

As an adult amateur pianist I want to enjoy the process of preparing and not get to the point of feeling like I'm still playing pieces that haven't held my interest just because of an exam looming. Hence the program is Bach-heavy (can't beat it IMO ), but with two very different pieces of his and with the Brahms and Sculthorpe I'm hoping there would be enough contrast. Any constructive and/or well-meaning thoughts or comments would be much appreciated. Thx.

[chopinlover01]

Get something from the classical period in (assuming that Sculthorpe, whom I'm not familiar with, is impressionist). Perhaps a sonata of Beethoven?

[knb4]

Thx chopinlover01. I have looked at some the classical rep on the list in the past (Mozart k332, Beethoven pathetique, op.90) but didn't stick with them long enough to get them to a performance standard. To be honest, I'm not feeling inspired to invest a lot of time on a classical sonata at the moment. Also the current program is about 35mins so if anything goes in something will also have to go out

[chopinlover01]

I feel you, to some extent; however, ATCL may require or expect a piece from the classical period, so having something from that period learned may help, even if it's just a small miniture piece.

[j_menz]

I feel you, to some extent; however, ATCL may require or expect a piece from the classical period, so having something from that period learned may help, even if it's just a small miniture piece.

Perhaps you should have checked the requirements, which are:

The programme must consist of at least two works, and must display a range of moods, styles and tempi.

The pieces selected are all from the suggested list, and seem to fulfil the requirements nicely.

assuming that Sculthorpe, whom I'm not familiar with, is impressionist

He's not, though he has some impressionist influences.

[thorn]

I'm pretty sure you can't have two works by the same composer in a program unless they come as a set. For example a whole Bach French Suite would be fine but not the suite and the P+F.

I don't know how Brahms would work- they are from the same set but you're not playing all 6...

I would contact the board directly on this point if I were you- like I said I'm not 100%

I've programmed the Sculthorpe many times- it's a lovely set 

[pianoman1349]

This is a great programme.  That being said, you are likely going to be noted for your inclusion of BOTH a prelude and fugue AND the french suite on your programme.  This doesn't contravene any rules, per se, but it is generally bad programming practice to include a substantial Bach concert work with a prelude and fugue, especially on an exam such as this one.

Without a doubt, the f minor prelude and fugue is an extraordinary piece, and should be championed by all.  However, by including it with the French suite, it makes it feel as if you are playing it just to kill time on your program.

A possible classical work that could replace this p and f would by the f minor variations by Haydn.

Don't worry about the Brahms, I've programmed Op. 118 1 and 2 as a set on many exams without a problem (including on a student's ATCL exam)

[knb4]

Many thanks all. I really appreciate the replies. I don't know where you're getting your ideas from thorn... Unless I missed some small print, the regulations only state to provide a balanced and varied program. I can see your point though pianoman that an examiner might dock some points for lacking a classical component. I'd argue that the two bach pieces are very different in many ways and may decide to live with  potentially a few marks less but I'll give it some further thought.  The Haydn' f minor variations' is a nice piece and a welcome suggestion but probably not my thing at this time. 

[thorn]

I don't know where you're getting your ideas from thorn... Unless I missed some small print, the regulations only state to provide a balanced and varied program.

You will find a million discussions on music forums around what "balanced and varied" means in terms of diploma exams. At the end of the day exam boards are a very conservative bunch and you can bet your life that it means "one from each period". Ultimately I imagine it comes down to the discretion of the examiner who will hear the end result.

I have period aversions myself so I do understand the frustration of having to throw in something just to tick off that time period. I play about 75% of the 20th/21st century works on the LTCL list- more than enough for a varied 40 minute program- but I can't take the exam until I buckle down and learn a substantial Baroque or Classical piece. This unwritten period requirement is so irritating.

[knb4]

You make a fair point thorn and good luck finding something classical you can get your teeth into for a LTCL exam.  Actually pianoman's suggestion of the Haydn f minor variations is growing on me and could take the place of the f minor p and f quite nicely without disrupting the rest of the program. It's not on the repertoire list but I would imagine it sits at about the ATCL level in terms of the technical challenges(?).  I'm not in a huge hurry so will take my time and give it a preliminary try.... anyone got anymore good ideas?

[visitor]

....  I'm not in a huge hurry so will take my time and give it a preliminary try.... anyone got anymore good ideas?

Glinka perhaps?

or this? super cool piece on the suffering of the queen  of France, Dusik (or Dussek) 

[symphonicdance]

It is a balanced programme (at least 3 periods) but I am not sure if this will let you get the full marks on the "balanced programme" criteria.  Sculthorpe is an Australian composer, isn't he? 

If a candidate can play his choices convincingly, that's fine and actually most important!  Last year, my friend played Mozart, Chopin and Ravel for her AT.  In fact, I recently found out that some one played only 2 pieces in his LT (Beethoven Tempest and Barber Excursions), and he got 80 marks.  I had also heard someone played an all Liszt programme for his LT.
 
I am not sure if you want to play 2 Bach followed by 2 Brahms and finally Schulthorpe, or Bach, Brahms, Bach, Brahms, Schulthorpe, or other combinations.  It is not necessarily for the candidate to play in sequence of "period".

For whichever French suite you will pick, I suggest you double check the playing time (as you know, long repeats are discouraged).

In this part of the world, candidates usually play pieces from 4 composers (baroque, classical, romantic, impressionalist/20th century).

I played Bach, Mozart, Brahms, Debussy, Rachmaninoff and Szymanowski in my AT 4.5 years ago 

Good luck!