Give me your level 4/5 repertoire gems

[novatramp]

I'm looking for the next piece to start working on.  My teacher lets me choose and I have the Snell Essential Repertoire for level 4/5, but I'm looking for some more suggestions.  Give me your favorites.     

[anacrusis]

I do not know the level system, can you provide some examples of pieces around that level you have already played, and we might be able to help you out!

[novatramp]

I do not know the level system, can you provide some examples of pieces around that level you have already played, and we might be able to help you out!

Apologies for the late reply, I just saw this.  I'm doing a recital soon with 4 pieces, all played from memory:
-  Bach, Prelude in C Minor, BWV 999
-  Chopin, Prelude in B Minor
-  Beethoven, Moonlight 1st mvmt
-  Satie, Gnossienne 1

If you can't tell I gravitate to the dark/broody pieces.  I'm stuck in that weird place where I don't want to attempt something that's obviously too difficult but also want to play something that challenges me and makes me improve.  I discussed with my teacher yesterday and we talked about these options:  one of Chopin's easier nocturnes, Schumann's Scenes from Childhood, and maybe a Bach invention. 

Note:  I'm an adult learner but pretty dedicated (2 hours/night).  I told my teacher I *really* want to learn Brahm's Intermezzo in A major (Op 18, No 2) and I got the impression from his reaction that I'm not ready. 

[brogers70]

I'm not sure which Nocturnes your teacher was thinking of. I think that almost all of them are more difficult than that Brahms Intermezzo. However, the Nocturne Opus 15 #3 in g minor is relatively easy. There's one bit right before the transition to the B section that has a lot of chordal jumps and might take you some time to get comfortable with. It's a beautiful piece. The Opus 9 #2 Nocturne in Eb that everybody seems to pick as their first Chopin Nocturne is beautiful, but it's a bit harder than the one I suggested and you might already be tired of hearing it so much.

Among the Schumann Scenes from Childhood, Of Foreign Lands and Peoples is well known and certainly within your level. I also like #12 "Child Falling Asleep," which is also not too difficult.

For Bach the Prelude in C# minor in the first book of the Well Tempered Clavier is dark and beautiful. Shaping the lines well is a challenge, but finding the notes should not be too hard.

From Janacek's "On an Overgrown Path," the section "The Virgin of Frydek," is a lovely mix of light and dark and not too hard. There's some 2 against 3 in there that will help you get ready for the Brahms you want.

Slow movements from some of the Haydn Sonatas might also be dark and romantic enough for your taste, and many of them would not be too hard. In any case you can get inexpensive but decent Dover editions of all the Haydn Sonatas; lots of the earlier ones would be doable.

For Bach inventions, the C minor 2 part invention is great, minor mood, long flowing lines. Another Bach choice would be a Sarabande from one of the French Suites - the C minor one might be up your alley.

[novatramp]

I'm not sure which Nocturnes your teacher was thinking of. I think that almost all of them are more difficult than that Brahms Intermezzo. However, the Nocturne Opus 15 #3 in g minor is relatively easy. There's one bit right before the transition to the B section that has a lot of chordal jumps and might take you some time to get comfortable with. It's a beautiful piece. The Opus 9 #2 Nocturne in Eb that everybody seems to pick as their first Chopin Nocturne is beautiful, but it's a bit harder than the one I suggested and you might already be tired of hearing it so much.

Among the Schumann Scenes from Childhood, Of Foreign Lands and Peoples is well known and certainly within your level. I also like #12 "Child Falling Asleep," which is also not too difficult.

For Bach the Prelude in C# minor in the first book of the Well Tempered Clavier is dark and beautiful. Shaping the lines well is a challenge, but finding the notes should not be too hard.

From Janacek's "On an Overgrown Path," the section "The Virgin of Frydek," is a lovely mix of light and dark and not too hard. There's some 2 against 3 in there that will help you get ready for the Brahms you want.

Slow movements from some of the Haydn Sonatas might also be dark and romantic enough for your taste, and many of them would not be too hard. In any case you can get inexpensive but decent Dover editions of all the Haydn Sonatas; lots of the earlier ones would be doable.

For Bach inventions, the C minor 2 part invention is great, minor mood, long flowing lines. Another Bach choice would be a Sarabande from one of the French Suites - the C minor one might be up your alley.

Thanks for the suggestions.  I hadn't heard the Janacek piece before and it's exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for.  The C minor invention is what I've been considering.  My teacher said 'inventions are hard' but it looks so easy!     Cheers.