Please help suggest some pieces to learn!

[hmoll53]

Ok, I'm not sure if others have had this dilemma but I have so many things to choose from and I can't decide! Any solo piece (Concerti are fine as well but I don't have much time so I can't invest fully in them) would be preferred, and all difficulties are ok!

If you look at my profile, you should be able to see some of the pieces I played in the past

[anacrusis]

Such a broad quesiton is not easy to answer, when I basically can take a random stab at anything that's in the current repertoire?

Like I almost feel like trolling you by suggesting some hyper obscure baroque composer, but I won't 

Could you narrow down the options a bit? What era? Long, short? Virtuoso, easy?

[kc_gracie]

Well, if anything is an option, I have a few suggestions that I really enjoyed playing. Not 100% sure everything you have played, but looking at your signature, I will go from there.

How about more Beethoven? Can't really go wrong with any of them, but my two favorites right now are No.21 (Waldstein) Op.53 and No.32 Op.111. I just recently learned Op.111 and it is just a huge joy to play. Not many pieces make me feel euphoric while playing as the second movement does. Just wonderful.

I tend to like longer pieces overall, so I would suggest something like some selections from Liszt's Harmonies Poétiques Et Religieuses (for example, I love playing both benediction de dieu dans la solitude and pensee des morts). I also have a soft spot for Bach transcriptions right now. I thoroughly enjoy the Bach/Busoni Chaconne, Bach/Liszt BWV 543 or 548, Bach/Godowsky BWV 1001 (love the fugue in particular), or the Bach/Corsellis Passacaglia and Fugue that I have mentioned on this forum before. Also, what about Medtner? A lot of good sonatas to choose from. Really love the reminiscenza sonata and the ballade sonata (especially the first movement).

Just some thoughts. If you want some more obscure selections, happy to provide some of those as well.

-KC

[visitor]

Dis
Play dis

[hmoll53]

Such a broad quesiton is not easy to answer, when I basically can take a random stab at anything that's in the current repertoire?

Like I almost feel like trolling you by suggesting some hyper obscure baroque composer, but I won't 

Could you narrow down the options a bit? What era? Long, short? Virtuoso, easy?

Any length is fine, preferably shorter than 20 minutes in total. Preferably on the harder side, but easy is ok as well. Any era except for Baroque! I don't mind obscure composers

[hmoll53]

Well, if anything is an option, I have a few suggestions that I really enjoyed playing. Not 100% sure everything you have played, but looking at your signature, I will go from there.

How about more Beethoven? Can't really go wrong with any of them, but my two favorites right now are No.21 (Waldstein) Op.53 and No.32 Op.111. I just recently learned Op.111 and it is just a huge joy to play. Not many pieces make me feel euphoric while playing as the second movement does. Just wonderful.

I tend to like longer pieces overall, so I would suggest something like some selections from Liszt's Harmonies Poétiques Et Religieuses (for example, I love playing both benediction de dieu dans la solitude and pensee des morts). I also have a soft spot for Bach transcriptions right now. I thoroughly enjoy the Bach/Busoni Chaconne, Bach/Liszt BWV 543 or 548, Bach/Godowsky BWV 1001 (love the fugue in particular), or the Bach/Corsellis Passacaglia and Fugue that I have mentioned on this forum before. Also, what about Medtner? A lot of good sonatas to choose from. Really love the reminiscenza sonata and the ballade sonata (especially the first movement).

Just some thoughts. If you want some more obscure selections, happy to provide some of those as well.

-KC

Never done the Bach transcriptions of sorts, but I will look into it! Beethoven's Waldstein is very appealing, the Appassionata was certainly very enjoyable to learn and play. I also looked into Op.90, which I love (also a lot more doable). I would love more suggestions, famous or obscure! (Just not Fur Elise famous  )

[lelle]

Never done the Bach transcriptions of sorts, but I will look into it! Beethoven's Waldstein is very appealing, the Appassionata was certainly very enjoyable to learn and play. I also looked into Op.90, which I love (also a lot more doable). I would love more suggestions, famous or obscure! (Just not Fur Elise famous  )

The Liszt transcription of BWV 543 is well worth playing. One of my all time favorite pieces!

[kc_gracie]

The Liszt transcription of BWV 543 is well worth playing. One of my all time favorite pieces!

I second this. The Liszt version of BWV 543 is magnificent. Currently relearning this piece. I also really suggest digging into some more transcriptions of Bach. There are just so many good ones out there.

Never done the Bach transcriptions of sorts, but I will look into it! Beethoven's Waldstein is very appealing, the Appassionata was certainly very enjoyable to learn and play. I also looked into Op.90, which I love (also a lot more doable). I would love more suggestions, famous or obscure! (Just not Fur Elise famous  )

Op.90 is very nice. The Waldstein, to me, is my absolute favorite piece by Beethoven, perhaps of all, to play. I like it even more than the Appassionata. I really enjoy listening to the piece, but playing it is just so much fun. I keep returning to it after years even and picking up again (although I never really forget it). Much of Beethoven is like this for me, but the Waldstein is really just great fun, the whole thing.

In terms of other options (mostly played less often than big Beethoven and Chopin pieces), if I aim for pieces that are on the harder side and not short, but also less than 20 minutes, I think of the following:

Rachmaninoff - Corelli Variations Op.42
Franck - Prelude, Choral, et Fugue FWV 21
Faure - Theme and Variations Op.73
Grieg - Ballade Op.24
Prokofiev - Sonata No.4 Op.29 (I really love this one)
Liszt - Two Legends S.175 (both are amazing)
Janacek - 1.X.1905 Sonata
Godowsky - Passacaglia (ungodly difficult)
Szymanowsky - Variations Op.10 (Zimerman just recorded these)

Just some pieces I have recently learned or am hoping to learn soon. Perhaps they will also pique your interest.

-KC

[hmoll53]

I second this. The Liszt version of BWV 543 is magnificent. Currently relearning this piece. I also really suggest digging into some more transcriptions of Bach. There are just so many good ones out there.

Op.90 is very nice. The Waldstein, to me, is my absolute favorite piece by Beethoven, perhaps of all, to play. I like it even more than the Appassionata. I really enjoy listening to the piece, but playing it is just so much fun. I keep returning to it after years even and picking up again (although I never really forget it). Much of Beethoven is like this for me, but the Waldstein is really just great fun, the whole thing.

In terms of other options (mostly played less often than big Beethoven and Chopin pieces), if I aim for pieces that are on the harder side and not short, but also less than 20 minutes, I think of the following:

Rachmaninoff - Corelli Variations Op.42
Franck - Prelude, Choral, et Fugue FWV 21
Faure - Theme and Variations Op.73
Grieg - Ballade Op.24
Prokofiev - Sonata No.4 Op.29 (I really love this one)
Liszt - Two Legends S.175 (both are amazing)
Janacek - 1.X.1905 Sonata
Godowsky - Passacaglia (ungodly difficult)
Szymanowsky - Variations Op.10 (Zimerman just recorded these)

Just some pieces I have recently learned or am hoping to learn soon. Perhaps they will also pique your interest.

-KC

Ok, so I've decided on modern (1900-1959) classical for a competition, time limit is 20 minutes. I have Scriabin's Sonata 5 already ready, but that is a bit too short considering it's only 10-11ish minutes, do you have any suggestions on shorter (at most 8 minutes) classical pieces in this time era? Debussy and Ravel seems like an obvious pick but I would like to try something new. I've added Waldstein to the bucket list by the way, the Rondo is fantastic!

[kc_gracie]

Sorry for the delay. The Rondo is amazing. That whole sonata is wonderful.

If your looking for that time period and give or take that length, that certainly changes things. What about Scriabin sonata 9? Depending on how you approach the piece, it takes anywhere from 8-10 minutes (probably closer to 10). I personally like the idea of a later Scriabin work as I almost view him as two separate composers. Otherwise, works like the Poeme-Nocturne, Vers la Flamme, and the Op.73 set should fit within that time limit.

Prokofiev Sonata No. 1 and Sonata No. 3 fit within your criteria as well. I love the Op.4 set as a collection. Again, might be a minute or two too long (at most 10 minutes) depending upon your approach to these. I personally am going to start learning this set soon.

Szymanowski also has several works that fit that period. Perhaps one of the Metopes (I like No.2 best) or Masques (I like No.1 best) would work well. All of them are more atonal in nature compared to his early works and quite interesting, so not bad choices. Could also do his prelude and fugue.

The Berg sonata may be a few minutes too long, but also would fit the bill pretty well if time worked out.

The Barber ballade is a few years after 1959 (1977), but also a consideration if allowed.

Could also pick a prelude and fugue by Shostakovich. I personally like the E minor and D minor the best. Probably on the easier side compared to the other works I have suggested.

What about Rachmaninoff? Could play the elegie Op.3 No.1, One of the longer etudes, like Op.39 No.2 or, my favorite, Op.39 No.5. Maybe even the prelude Op.32 No.13 (also difficult) or one of the Op.16 moments musicaux. I feel like I am rambling at this point. Oh, and the Vocalise Op.34 No.14 by him and arranged by Richardson is amazing. I learned this as soon as I heard it played.

There is also Medtner. One of the Op.11 sonatas (there are 3) are right around 8 minutes, I believe.

Not sure if any of these suggestions help. Just trying to think of things that may work (or not).

-KC

[brogers70]

That Janacek Sonata that's already been mentioned is a great piece. Difficult, about the right length, and modern.

[hmoll53]

Sorry for the delay. The Rondo is amazing. That whole sonata is wonderful.

If your looking for that time period and give or take that length, that certainly changes things. What about Scriabin sonata 9? Depending on how you approach the piece, it takes anywhere from 8-10 minutes (probably closer to 10). I personally like the idea of a later Scriabin work as I almost view him as two separate composers. Otherwise, works like the Poeme-Nocturne, Vers la Flamme, and the Op.73 set should fit within that time limit.

Prokofiev Sonata No. 1 and Sonata No. 3 fit within your criteria as well. I love the Op.4 set as a collection. Again, might be a minute or two too long (at most 10 minutes) depending upon your approach to these. I personally am going to start learning this set soon.

Szymanowski also has several works that fit that period. Perhaps one of the Metopes (I like No.2 best) or Masques (I like No.1 best) would work well. All of them are more atonal in nature compared to his early works and quite interesting, so not bad choices. Could also do his prelude and fugue.

The Berg sonata may be a few minutes too long, but also would fit the bill pretty well if time worked out.

The Barber ballade is a few years after 1959 (1977), but also a consideration if allowed.

Could also pick a prelude and fugue by Shostakovich. I personally like the E minor and D minor the best. Probably on the easier side compared to the other works I have suggested.

What about Rachmaninoff? Could play the elegie Op.3 No.1, One of the longer etudes, like Op.39 No.2 or, my favorite, Op.39 No.5. Maybe even the prelude Op.32 No.13 (also difficult) or one of the Op.16 moments musicaux. I feel like I am rambling at this point. Oh, and the Vocalise Op.34 No.14 by him and arranged by Richardson is amazing. I learned this as soon as I heard it played.

There is also Medtner. One of the Op.11 sonatas (there are 3) are right around 8 minutes, I believe.

Not sure if any of these suggestions help. Just trying to think of things that may work (or not).

-KC

Yeah, these are nice choices, I ended up sticking to 2 Rachmaninoff Preludes (Op.23 No.6 and a faster/more difficult one, haven't chose one yet), Medtner's Op.51 No.3 Fairy Tale and Scriabin Sonata 5 since I'm familiar with it. But I do plan on learning some Medtner Sonata or Szymanowski soon. Thanks!

[krncandi]

At the top of my head for good difficult works to consider are :
Janacek- piano sonata 1.X.1905, Myaskovsky- piano sonata no. 2,7,8 or other late works
Shostakovich- piano sonata 1,2 or preludes and fugues
Bernstein- Touches
Faure - Theme and variations or Nocturne no 6,7,12 or 13
Milhaud -Hymne de Glorification
Granados- Goyescas
Poulenc - Les Soirées de Nazelles
Albeniz -Iberia
Ibert-Les Recontres
Samazeuilh- Le Chant de la Mer
Grainger-In Dahomey or Ramble on love after Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier
Babadjanian- Poeme
Webern- Variations

Happy playing

[kaiserd2]

Off topic:  The original poster says, if you look at my profile you can see pieces I have played. I just checked my profile and I couldn't see any place to enter anything like that.  Can someone explain? Thanks.

[symphonicdance]

If the OP can play Rach 3, I think she/he could play >95% of all the piano repertoire without much trouble. May be just start off with printing out the syllabus list of fellowship diploma exams of ABRSM on a piece of paper, and throw a dart or two to see what pieces it/they hit.

[droprenstein]

A few ideas if anything is an option:
Judging by your previous repertoire, you might be able to handle the Hammerklavier sonata.
Liszt Transcendental etudes. All of them are pretty difficult, especially 4 and 5.
Chopin Ballade 2. In my opinion his best ballade, but that's up to you.
Scriabin Sonata 1. I'm also learning this. A bit tedious, but worth every second.
Prokofiev, basically any sonata. I'd recommend the 2nd or the 7th.