Rach Prelude in G minor V.S. Chopin Nocturne Op. 48 N.1

[Barbosa-piano]

                Hello, I am new to the site, and my name is Mario. I am sorry for the inconvenience, but I am representing the school in the UIL piano Competition, and I would like to know if anyone could give me an advice on which piece would be the most impressing one;
                Rachmaninoff, Prelude in G minor.  Op 23 N. 5 Alla marcia.
                Chopin Nocturne Op. 48 n.1, or any other Nocturne (except op 9 n.2)
                 I also have the choice between Chopin's Waltzes op 42 and 64, and Polonaises op. 40 and 26.
                 I would be thankful if anyone could give any advices... ;     
                                                                          Sincerely,
                                                                     Mario Barbosa.

[mosis]

I personally like the Nocturne better. In fact, it's my favourite Chopin nocturne. The sorrowful, heartwrenching melody enough to make guys like me cry, coupled with the impressive octaves and return of the melody in furious, agitated chord accompaniment is much more beautiful than that Rach Prelude.

I am not saying I dislike the Prelude. It's a wonderful piece, but I would rather listen and perform the Nocturne.

Best of luck in your competition!

[Skeptopotamus]

Sorry.  There is no way you should play that nocturne.  That is suicide.  If you can play the Rachmaninov Prelude, then you have to assume that your opponents can too, and if they played the Alla Marcia and you played the nocturne, they would win.  If you can play the prelude well, then you should definitely play it.  That is a pretty difficult piece; a lot more difficult that the nocturne, and the judges will know that.  Whether or not the piece is as pretty as the other doesn't really matter when you are playing to win.  You should listen to some of the ugly crap that blows away competitions.


Corigliano Etude Fantasy comes to mind...

Ignore that.  But seriously, the prelude is the way to go, absolutely.