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Topic: Brainstorming a summer plan in preparation for college  (Read 377 times)

Offline aldentedownsouth

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First post, good morning! Before I discuss my plans for summer, quick background on me and my repertoire. I am an 18 year old pianist who started at 4 and started playing more seriously at 14, until fully committing to it at 16 when I started playing more difficult pieces like some of Chopin’s Opus 10 Etudes. I just finished performing my senior solo recital in which I played most of my repertoire.

Repertoire (the most important works):
Bach: Inventions No. 11 and 13, Prelude and Fugue in C minor

Beethoven: Sonata Pathetique (adagio, rondo), has played through Tempest and Appassionata but are not memorized/priority, and various easier works

Chopin: Fantaisie-impromptu, Etudes Opus 10, No 3, 4, and 12, and Scherzi (2 and 3), casually learning easier works

Rachmaninoff: Preludes in C-sharp and G minor

Limited modern repertoire (which I aim to expand): Most significant modern work is Khachaturian’s Toccata, and my modern repertoire is weaker than my Baroque.

I would like to know what the most glaring weaknesses are at my current level, pieces or other things that I could work on to target said weaknesses, etc. Currently considering Ravel’s Alborada del Gracioso, (Jeux D’eau as a backup), looking for a Debussy work, and a Liszt Concert Etude. How attainable is Alborada and what Bach pieces could I consider if I have enough time?

Offline dizzyfingers

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Re: Brainstorming a summer plan in preparation for college
Reply #1 on: June 07, 2025, 04:07:57 PM
At your age I wouldn't worry about weakness in your repertoire (you've clearly got it figured out already, maybe you need some Bartok & Prokofiev).  Review the repertoire when you're half way through your piano performance program and thinking about competitions..

I'd be more concerned about weakness in your playing - your technique and attention to musicality.
Why don't you post some videos?

Offline akselspiano

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Re: Brainstorming a summer plan in preparation for college
Reply #2 on: July 13, 2025, 04:25:40 PM
I would say first thing that hits me is Bach is lagging behind a bit, I would push for more WTC, at least to go through them more intensively.
Would be really nice to complete the Pathetique and present a full sonata (regardless of they ask in the audition or not)
I would also work on some easier etudes to keep basics in shape and good condition!

Offline essence

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Re: Brainstorming a summer plan in preparation for college
Reply #3 on: July 13, 2025, 06:38:15 PM


Most significant modern work is Khachaturian’s Toccata, and my modern repertoire is weaker than my Baroque.


Modern? Maybe investigate some of Messiaen's vingt regards, although these are nearly 80 years old. They vary a lot in technical difficulty, but each requires musicianship.

Stokhausen may be a step too far, especially if the piano has to be prepared.
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Piano Street Magazine:
Watch the Preliminaries of the Chopin Competition

The Preliminaries of the 19th International Chopin Competition are underway in the Chamber Music Hall of the Warsaw Philharmonic. From April 23 to May 4, 163 pianists from 28 countries are performing their best Chopin etudes, nocturnes, scherzos, and mazurkas. Watch all performances online and form your opinion about who is worthy of a place in the final stages of the competition this October. Read more
 

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