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Imogen Cooper – Tempus Fugit
The Piano Visions recital series at the Art Academy in Stockholm welcomed British Pianist Imogen Cooper for two recitals in November 2021. The program offered a glimpse into her earlier life, by including repertoire by Ravel and Liszt, which she worked on during her student years in Paris and Vienna. Read more >>

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Topic: First piano competition. help! (Read 1795 times)

pianodude1

Newbie
Posts: 5

First piano competition. help!

on: December 21, 2016, 02:54:22 AM

i'll be performing in the first annual steinway and sons washington piano competition and the repertories is two pieces of contrasting styles and a playing limit of 15 minutes.
i'll be using:
Mozart Rondo Alla Turca 3rd movement Allegretto
Chopin Op 10 no 3 etude

any tips? this is my first competition ever.
Thanks!!

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samdm93

PS Silver Member
Newbie
Posts: 23

Re: First piano competition. help!

Reply #1 on: December 22, 2016, 08:05:15 AM

First off, best of luck with the competition. Just practice loads and my piano teacher always said to me to perform your pieces to as many people as possible before the competition/exam - using this technique you get used to performing them in public. Doesn't matter who it is (family, friends etc).

My only real bit of advice is about your choice of pieces. Both are truly terrific and take skill to play well, however they are both arguably some of the most famous and universally played pieces in the piano literature. I only say this as the judges will have heard these pieces countless times throughout their career. Why don't you change at least one of them for a lesser-known/played work? By doing so shows a wider repertoire and you'll be more memorable to the judges if you played something that's less (hate to say it) overplayed.

Like I said, nothing wrong with your choice and just a bit of honest advice.

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expressman70

Jr. Member
Posts: 97

Re: First piano competition. help!

Reply #2 on: January 01, 2017, 09:42:59 PM

What else do you have to play? This seems sort of short. Play the etude maybe and choose something more substantial, like Mendelssons rondo capriccioso?

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minhogang

Jr. Member
Posts: 42

Re: First piano competition. help!

Reply #3 on: January 04, 2017, 08:47:10 AM

A recital tip: eat bananas before you perform. Not 10 minutes before but preferably one every morning. These help reduce some nerves.

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pianoworthy

Jr. Member
Posts: 90

Re: First piano competition. help!

Reply #4 on: January 04, 2017, 09:43:49 AM

Take care of you body and mind first. Eat healthy whole foods; avoid sugar and junk. Get good sleep! This really matters. Doesn't matter how much you prepare, you will not do as well if you're tired.

Make a few recordings of the pieces beforehand. Play through any mistakes during the recording process, don't stop and rerecord. Recording yourself is a good way of getting used to being able to play under pressure without being able to stop.

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