Audition Repertoire

[pianoplayer8]

Hello!

I’m working on compiling my collegiate audition repertoire, and I could use some advice. I’m auditioning for both state schools with easier programs to get into and some much more difficult conservatories, and I want to showcase a variety of work. Each of the pieces I have selected meet a specific requirement. I mainly need approval on the level of difficulty I’ve selected and meeting another requirement. Please provide any suggestions/honest feedback! Thank you!

BWV Prelude and Fugue No. 6 from the WTC - prelude and fugue requirement
Beethoven’s Sonata Pathétique (Piano Sonata No. 8 Op. 13) - sonata requirement
Dancers in Love by Duke Ellington - 20/21 century work
Chopin Etude Opus 25 No. 11 - virtuosic etude

And I need to fulfill a major romantic solo work requirement... I’d like to use a Schubert, Mendelssohn, Schumann, or Brahms. I’d also like a less technically difficult piece that allows me to showcase more musicality. Let me know if you have any suggestions!!

[brogers70]

How about the Brahms Eb minor intermezzo from Opus 118? It's not easy, but it's not as hard as some of the other things you are doing, and it's very deep.

[samwitdangol]

Maybe a Schumann piece like ABEGG variations or Papillons? They are not very technically difficult but you can display great musicality with them.

[pianoannieq]

Hello! First time on the forum here!

It looks like a great program so far, but I'd be cautious with Beethoven Pathetique and Chopin 25/11; they're both famous pieces so try to stand out with those. I like the idea of Ellington, I don't know anyone who has walked into an audition with that.

For your romantic work, I would choose something more lyrical and light since Pathetique and Chopin already have a heavy texture. Schumann's Abegg is a great piece. Mendelssohn's Rondo Capriccioso is very beautiful and one of my favourites. It's a bit shorter than Abegg but I think they would be around the same difficulty. But at the end of the day, choose a piece that you enjoy, you'll be more motivated and the experience will be more gratifying

By the way, how far are you from your audition date? If you don't have a lot of time to learn a new piece and polish it, you could also pull out something from your previous repertoire for your romantic requirement.