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Topic: What are some good Baroque pieces to play for an audition? (Read 3421 times)

droprenstein

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What are some good Baroque pieces to play for an audition?

on: December 06, 2022, 02:12:54 AM

For an audition in a few months, I need to play two pieces from two contrasting periods. I mostly play music from the Romantic period. I've already decided on Romantic and Baroque, since they require, and as a result, showcase, different strengths on the piano. My piece for Romantic era is Rachmaninoff Op. 39 No. 1(teacher's recommendation, though it might be overkill), but I haven't quite decided on Baroque yet. I'd prefer Bach, but I'm not picky. My initial choice was the Prelude and Fugue in C major from WTC 1(apparently, the fugue is one of the more difficult fugues in the WTC, and the Prelude, while technically sightreadable, is musically difficult), but I question whether that would be enough. I'm not prepared to take on pieces on a par with the Art of Fugue(that's a given), not to mention that being the definition of overkill even if I could play it. I'm looking for something short enough, with both technical and musical difficulty, but not so much that it becomes unplayable for any mortal(cough, Goldberg variations, cough). Ideas, or should I keep the Prelude and Fugue?

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brogers70

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Re: What are some good Baroque pieces to play for an audition?

Reply #1 on: December 06, 2022, 12:23:09 PM

You might try a different Prelude and Fugue. In Book 1, the C# minor is beautiful and emotional and the fugue is definitely impressive. The Eb major is interesting because the Prelude is itself a sort of prelude and fugue wrapped into one, and the actual Fugue is quick and light and enjoyable. The Bb minor is probably the most Romantic sounding of the Prelude and Fuges - it's not fast, but that does not mean it is easy.

Apart from the WTC, the preludes of some of the English Suites make good stand alone pieces and the ones in A minor, G minor, and F major are beautiful and impressive.

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symphonicdance

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Re: What are some good Baroque pieces to play for an audition?

Reply #2 on: December 09, 2022, 02:57:45 PM

Not sure what's the required duration for your baroque work.
Other J.S. Bach, perhaps you can consider Scarlatti. Some of his sonatas are very suitable for advanced players.
Good luck!

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indianpianist99

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Posts: 12

Re: What are some good Baroque pieces to play for an audition?

Reply #3 on: December 27, 2022, 07:06:16 AM

I'm playing P&F D Major BWV 874 from Book 2
It's a challenging one that'll look good in an audition and the Fugue is drop dead gorgeous. ~8.5 mins with the prelude repeats, ~6 mins without

Depending on what you're auditioning for, a larger Bach work might work better! If its for a BMus level then a P&F is great, if its master's level then the P&F needs to be tougher (maybe the D Major Book 2 or the B Minor Book 2. The B Minor Fugue is TOUGH). Or for a Master's level, a larger Bach like a Partita, Suite or Toccata

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mrcreosote

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Posts: 229

Re: What are some good Baroque pieces to play for an audition?

Reply #4 on: February 19, 2023, 09:17:26 AM

Rameau's "La Poule" which is a really tough bird!
I think R is underappreciated. This piece is emotionally spectacular.

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droprenstein

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Posts: 79

Re: What are some good Baroque pieces to play for an audition?

Reply #5 on: February 19, 2023, 11:05:55 AM

I decided on the WTC I Fugue in C sharp minor. It's definitely harder than I expected, but it's 5 voice texture will probably be more impressive.

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Topic: What are some good Baroque pieces to play for an audition? (Read 3421 times)

Piano Street Magazine:Women and the Chopin Competition: Breaking Barriers in Classical Music

Piano Street Magazine:
A Free Grand Piano? – Scammers Target Piano Enthusiasts

Piano Street Magazine:
Women and the Chopin Competition: Breaking Barriers in Classical Music