Lately, I've been reading the repertoire selections for competitors and winners in various higher level piano competitions. In keeping with the thread "disappointed with repertoire," it seems as if competitors have their own pool of works from which they make their programs. Concerti such as the Rach 2,3, the Beethoven 3, 5, Prok 3, Tchaikovsky 1, Chopin 2, etc. For solo repertoire, Islamey, Gaspard, Beethoven's Waldstein, Tempest, Appassionata, Rach second sonata, some Romantic etudes, etc. Then, they throw in a few Baroque or lighter classical pieces, and a modern one, just to meet the requirements.
This is why I was asking about deep and profound repertoire-I had an idea for a different approach to competitions. Play something very difficult in the first round-to show the judges that you have technique. They don't need to see you show off time after time to get the idea-play some Godowsky or Ligeti or something in the first round. Then, in the rest of the competition, show the judges a sensitive musicality with some fine works by Haydn and Bach-perhaps some late Beethoven. This will show them musical sophistication, and perhaps they'd enjoy something soft after the incessant pianistic chest-beating of the previous competitors.
What do you think?
Topic: competition repertoire