Maybe I should choose a "tougher" Beethoven Sonata? Would you recommend optimizing for the level of technicality or how much I connect / love the piece being played?
I cannot answer this categorically because I assume it depends on the school you are auditioning for. But I do know some people who have sat on audition juries and shared their experiences.Juries hear a LOT of students play during the audition days. Many of them are highly technically accomplished. Thing is, when you hear rendition 56 of Chopin's first ballade, 54 of which were played with technical accomplishment, you as a jury member don't really care anymore. You want to hear someone do something interesting or not at all. Playing most of the standard repertoire with technical accomplishment is not that impressive because most students can do it.You need to play well of course, but it's more important if you have something to say, are doing something interesting and musical with the material. If you already have some pieces that show that you have your mechanics down, I would not optimize purely for level of technique, but rather for pieces that fit your temperemant, you connect with and have something to say with. But I guess it doesn't hurt if you choose the pieces from that category that can show off some technical skills.But again, I guess it depends on the school so don't listen to me I would perhaps consult some teacher or student in the school you are interested in to see what they are looking for.
Topic: Masters Audition Rep