Feedback on ARCT program options

[sandracb]

Hi all,

I'd love some feedback on some program options I've come up with so far for my ARCT. I am an adult returner to the piano, and finished my grade 10 in 1995 (!!! I feel old !!!). My strengths are musicality and I do love dramatic sweeping romantic pieces. I don't like atonal/dissonant at all, so for the more modern selections I can only stand the dances/folk based type music.

My right hand is far stronger than my left in dexterity (working on it!), but octaves/leaps are okay. I'm no virtuoso though so I'm trying not to have too many pieces with crazy technical demands. I'm also not in any rush to do the exam, so I don't want to opt for a program just because I'm more familiar with the pieces.

Okay so my options that I've come up with so far are the following, and I'm assuming we're allowed to play them in the order of our choice? The programs are listed in preferred performing order:


PROGRAM 1:

A. Bach - WTC Bk 1, P&F in G+ BWV 860

B. Mozart - Sonata in D major, KV 311

C. Schubert - Impromptu Op 90 No 1

D. Faure - Barcarolle No 6 in E flat major

F. Prokofiev - Etude Op 2 No 4

E. Barber - Excursions (2 and 3) <---- preferred since I think it would contrast better to the rest of the program, but I don't know 3 yet and the polyrhythms are scaring me to learn!!! Could also do (2 and 4)

Total estimated time: 47-50 min

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PROGRAM 2:

A. Bach WTC 1 P&F in G major BWV 860

B. Mozart Sonata in D major, KV 311

D. Rach Prelude 5 in G minor

C. Chopin Nocturne in C sharp minor, op 27 No1

F. Prokofiev Etude Op 2 No 4

E. Barber Excursions (2 and 4)

Total estimated time: 42-45min

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Would love some feedback please? Right now I have to learn fewer pieces on program 1, but I'm starting to think program 2 is a better balanced program. Would love some comments on anything to change/options.

[sandracb]

Oops, I goofed. I had actually chosen Chopin Nocturne in B maj Op 62 No 1 for my Program 2 List C selection. (I'd edit my original post but don't seem to be able to??)

[pianoman1349]

Congratulations on going for an ARCT as an adult student.  This is a significant achievenment and goal and should serve as an inspiration for many others in your situation.

General comments about the exam that may influence your programme order and choices:

1. All pieces are played through without comment or prompts from the examiner.  The candidate chooses the order of the pieces.

2. As a general note, all candidates are encouraged to leave enough time between each piece of the examination, as if they were going to bow, go offstage, and come back on.

3. You are allowed (and encouraged) to take a break approximately halfway through your examination.  You may bring water, use the washroom, walk around ...etc.   This is to represent am "intermission" of sorts.

5. YOU ARE GIVEN TIME TO TRY THE PIANO -- do take advantage of this.  If the examiners don't offer, ask to try the piano.  I would recommend you plan your piano trial in advance so you can maximize this time.  You should aim to try out the instrument for no more than 2 minutes.

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On to the programme:

Because there are overlapping choices between the two programmes, I'll just briefly state my feelings about each of the options as I see fit.

Bach and Mozart:  These are some of the more challenging options available on the syllabus.  The Bach is very popular for younger candidates, as it can be played very fast and achieve great success.  As an older student, my recommendation is to take a slower, more stylistic and intelligent route that considers more details ... this will help set your performance apart from your youth counterparts.

Prokofiev etude:  Very challenging, but extremely effective if successful.  I would use this to open your second "half" of your programme.

Barber: Personally, I'm not a big fan of these pieces, but they are played successfully in many examinations.  Can be a great choice for people who prefer less avant-garde works.  Another option would be the Bartok Sonatine.

List C: These are great masterworks of the romantic literature.  That being said, I don't like these works for exams, as everyone has their own "correct" interpretation of these works.  The examiner's reports from the 30+ candidates that I have read reflect these sentiments.  However, this may not be the case for yourself, as you will have had significantly more life experience than these students, and this may help you better perform these works.  In general, I don't like Schubert for exam situations, so I would go for a Chopin Nocture.  You may also want to try one of the Liszt Sonnetti as an alternative option, or a Brahms Intermezzi.

List D: I personally would play Faure, as I tend to gravitate to his sound-world naturally.  That being said, the Rachmaninov would provide more balance to a rather lyrical programne.  The added advantage of the Rachmaninov is its ability to hide most minor imperfections in the texture ... which can be beneficial.  Though this may be falling into the style of the Faure, you may want to consider the Op 32 no 12 (G# minor) prelude ... it is easier and also very effective.  The Debussy Ballade may also be a good choice.

Again, Congratulations and best of luck in your exam

[sandracb]

Thank you pianoman! You've given me a lot to think about. I intend to take my time preparing for this exam, I'm in no rush at all. I can't see myself doing the practical for probably 2 years, to give me time to get really secure and confident in my technique. Plus stage fright was always a big obstacle for me as a teen so I intend to do as many recitals/playing for audiences as I can to work the nerves out, and experiment with different works/styles. LOL and I have to finish Analysis and History 3 too!

I appreciate your suggestions very much - I will check them all out. The problem is that my left hand has always been a stinker with arpeggio type passages. So while I love to listen to many Debussy works, and even the Faure, the neverending left hand big arpeggio runs makes me want to cry, lol. Still.....it should be a goal to work on one's weaknesses right? Maybe I should attack it with gusto instead!

I've been working on the Prokofiev etude this week. It's actually going quite well! Not up to the proper speed yet, but the octaves are quite comfortable for my left hand. I think this one is a winner for sure.

[sandracb]

Just an update, I think I've found a winner combo! Let's hope I can play it under time limits.

Thank you again for the suggestions, pianoman, some real lovely works I never thought of considering in there.


So my program now will be (listed in performing order):


A. Bach WTC I: P&F in G major, BWV 860

D. Rachmaninoff Prelude Op 23 No 4 in D major

B. Mozart Sonata in D major, KV311

F. Prokofiev Etude Op 2 No 4

E. Barber Excursions (2 + 4)

C. Brahms Intermezzo Op 118, No 1 + 2


I put together a playlist on Youtube and I LOVE how well the pieces transition in the program. The only thing I am a tad worried about is if the Rach prelude is too similar to the Brahms' Intermezzo part 2......I will see what my teacher said. If it is too similar I will substitute the Faure Barcarolle #6 instead, though I really love the Rach in the flow of this program.