ABRSM Music Performance Grade 8 Repertoire (2021-2022)

[fleur-de-lis]

Hi! I would like to apply for the ABRSM Performance Grade 8 exam (instead of the Practical Grade, due to covid) this year and I'm having a few doubts about the repertoire I've chosen (I'm a former student and currently learn/practise on my own) and was wondering if any kind soul here could tell me if it makes sense. I have to choose at least 3 from the given list. The 4th does not have to be from the provided list. I put together:
1. Les cyclopes (from Pièces de clavecin) - Rameau
2. Molto moderato e cantabile (1st movt from Sonata in G, D.894) - Schubert
3. Novelette in E minor, sur un thème de Manuel de Falla - Poulenc
4. Jingo (No. 3 from Rock Preludes 1) - Christopher Norton OR Caballos Españoles - Uwe Korn

The Schubert sonata is not in the list provided by ABRSM. I tried to select pieces spaced widely across the different eras (baroque, late-classical/early romantic, early 20th/neoclassical, contemporary). I also chose contrasting pieces in terms of speed and key (the Rameau piece is faster and in a minor key, the Schubert piece is slower and in G major. The Poulenc piece is even slower, in E minor and reminiscent of the romantic period, and then the last contemporary piece (Jingo or the tango) picks up the pace again). I could not decide between Jingo or the jazz tango for the contemporary song as I like both of them, but I feel the Jingo would be a better contrast in this list. I would really appreciate some advice or suggestions and any feedback on this repertoire would be most welcome:) Also, the Schubert movement is the longest (about 10 minutes) and overall the time for all the pieces is well within the 25-minute limit. Thank you in advance!

[lelle]

I have zero familiarity with the ABRSM system or what makes a good exam within that framework. I just wanted to say I think you have a cool and unusual choice of repertoire going. The Rameau is a great piece, I have quite a fondness for many of those Pièces de clavecin, so from my perspective I think that's a great choice. Maybe someone else can chime in on ABRSM specific thoughts?

[dw4rn]

Like Lelle, I can't pretend that I know a lot about ABRSM examinations, but I also wanted to say that I can't imagine anyone objecting to that programme. You've put it together so intelligently, and the Schubert seems a wonderful complement at just the right technical difficulty level (at the same time requiring plenty of interpretative maturity).

What are your doubts anyway?

[ignomike]

In the syllabus it does suggest that the performer should select pieces that form a musically cohesive programme but afaik this is just a suggestion as looking deeper it doesn't actually take that into account in the marks. They are just leaning into the idea of acting out a performance with the exam. It is always going to be a varied performance as you need to choose pieces from different eras anyway.

I recommend the Caballos if you like listening to latin music and are comfortable with tricky rhythms or Jingo for driving rock beat and powerful octaves -Jingo is definitely easier but that last note is a PITA.