What should I play for my school graduation ceremony?

[chopinowski]

Hi there, chopinowski here.

I’m wondering what I should play for my secondary school graduation ceremony, which will take place on May 26 this year. Not a very far from now.

My friends are bringing up a duet and a solo of pop songs such as “In The Stars” and “You Raise Me Up”, so I’m thinking of playing a classical piece.

I want to leave a mark on my friends’ hearts while impressing them, or in other words, to play something that will be remembered by them.

I’ve been thinking of Chopin’s Waltz Op 64 No 2 or maybe Nocturne Op 9 No 2, but do you have any better suggestions? Or, maybe, what piece did you play for your graduation ceremony?

[lelle]

This is a very difficult question to answer without knowing your current repertoire, capabilities and preferences

The suggested pieces are fine choices. So is Clair de Lune, Fur Elise or any other recognizable crowd pleaser that has an emotional impact. Like, we could list more than 100 pieces from the repertoire that suits your criteria, so it would be useful if you could narrow it down a bit.

[bwl_13]

Depends what vibe you're going for an what sort of impact you want to leave. The Chopin pieces are nice, but I just can't picture them being great for this sort of occasion.

If you want something more lyrical, Schubert Op. 90 No. 3 is a great piece. I think it would stick out even to non-classical listeners as a really beautiful and touching moment. If you have the capabilities of playing something more explosive, something along the lines of Chopin Op. 10 No. 1 would also be great.

As much as I am frustrated with its prominence, Fantasie Impromptu is another one of those pieces that could work very well. It's not dramatic or sad enough to be out of character at a celebration, but the lyrical middle section works very well and the faster textures would be impressive.

You have very little time, so learning something new is not preferable. Can you give us some idea of other pieces you've played?

[mjames]

If you want to leave an impression, something dramatic like an etude or a ballade will work. Nocturnes are essentially salon music. Go with Chopin's op. 23.

[anacrusis]

If you want to leave an impression, something dramatic like an etude or a ballade will work. Nocturnes are essentially salon music. Go with Chopin's op. 23.

Do they have time to learn Op. 23 until the 26th of May, though?