Defining the LTCT repertoire

[bradipoalpiano]

Hi, I'm switching to Trinity after my DipABRSM and I'm working to finalise the program. What I've got so far is

- Chopin, Polonaise-Fantasie (approx 15 mins)
- Brahms-Handel variations (approx 19 mins)

Of course I need at least one more piece to meet the 37-43 mins requirement. I'm looking at two directions:

1. Have something light, some sort of "sorbet to clean your palate" between Chopin and Brahms. An option I am considering is Ravel's Menuet Antique. I also like Messiaen's 8th regard but I'm not sure if would work here. This would finish the exam on the boasting B flat chord at the end of Brahms.
2. Chopin, Brahms and then something very relaxed to decompress after the variations. Something like Debussy's footsteps int the snows for example.

Any ideas/comments/suggestions? Thanks!

[liszt-and-the-galops]

This would finish the exam on the boasting B flat chord at the end of Brahms.

I'm not sure why this is a problem.

- Chopin, Polonaise-Fantasie (approx 15 mins)
- Brahms-Handel variations (approx 19 mins)

You're playing the Variations in 19 minutes?
Aren't most performances >25 minutes?

2. Chopin, Brahms and then something very relaxed to decompress after the variations. Something like Debussy's footsteps in the snow for example.

A Liszt Consolation maybe? Debussy's Jardins Sous la Pluie is a bit more virtuosic, but would fit nicely.

[bradipoalpiano]

I'm not sure why this is a problem.

Oh it's not a problem at all. I was pointing it out because options 1 and 2 are two opposite possibilities (loud finish versus a delicate one)
 

You're playing the Variations in 19 minutes?
Aren't most performances >25 minutes? ???A Liszt Consolation maybe? Debussy's Jardins Sous la Pluie is a bit more virtuosic, but would fit nicely.

Yes they are but with ritornelli, which must not be played during trinity college exams. This brings the time down to 19.

I'd rather avoid Liszt because he's romantic and i'm looking for some variety. And I love Jardin Sous la Pluie but I'm after something more relaxed. Thanks for your suggestions though!

[liszt-and-the-galops]

I'd rather avoid Liszt because he's romantic and i'm looking for some variety. And I love Jardin Sous la Pluie but I'm after something more relaxed. Thanks for your suggestions though!

No problem! Sorry it couldn't help much though.
Also, one more possibility: Rachmaninoff Nocturne no. 2?

Oh it's not a problem at all. I was pointing it out because options 1 and 2 are two opposite possibilities (loud finish versus a delicate one)
Yes they are but with ritornelli, which must not be played during trinity college exams. This brings the time down to 19.

Ah, okay then.

[symphonicdance]

I completed LTCL and FTCL by self-studying.

So far both your Chopin and Brahms fall into romantic period. Ravel or Messiaen will be good for your programme, but I'm not sure if the programme is really really balanced in the eyes of examiner. Usually, LTCL candidates will pick works from at least 3 types amongst baroque, classical, romantic, modern (incl. impressionist, jazz).  I played Bach, Mozart, Prokofiev and Ravel in my LTCL, whilst my daughter (a primary school student at the exam time) played Bach, Liszt, Rachmaninoff and Poulenc in her LTCL.

A work with a sonic chord which ends the exam is fine, but not necessary.

KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) approach is often safe regarding playing sequence, i.e. by periods.

No substantial advantage to play a FTCL work (your Brahms, if my memory serves me correctly) in LTCL exam. The candidate is taking more risks, unless he/she is very confident and competent.

If you really wanna keep Chopin and Brahms, perhaps you should consider to add a short Bach WTC and a short modern work into your programme.

Good luck!

[essence]

 Yes they are but with ritornelli, which must not be played during trinity college exams. This brings the time down to 19.

i don;t understand. are you talking about the repeats? Does TCL realy not like repeats? Wouldn't not doing repeats bring it down more? 2x + y = 24, x + y = 19, x = 5, y = 14. In other words the fugue takes 14 mins, variations 5 min.? no way.

[thorn]

i don;t understand. are you talking about the repeats? Does TCL realy not like repeats? Wouldn't not doing repeats bring it down more? 2x + y = 24, x + y = 19, x = 5, y = 14. In other words the fugue takes 14 mins, variations 5 min.? no way.

UK exam boards only allow short repeats- the example that comes to mind is in Ravel's Sonatine you could do the repeat in the Menuet but not in the 1st movement.

[essence]

I'm not going to flog this, but the Brahms variations only have short repeats. Lots of them!