emotion verse virtuosity

[lagin]

So for festivals and scholarship competitions would I have a better chance of winning if I always learned the hardest pieces out of each selection list for my grade?  Is it more impressive to play a slow emotional piece or a fast technical piece if I only can play one in a competition?

[pianonut]

i think it would be good to play whatever piece means the most to you.  even if it is slow and emotional.  if you play a fast piece just as well - i'd go with that.  *fast can also be emotional - just as slow can be technically difficult. 

[lostinidlewonder]

Blow their socks off is what you have to do win Scholarship competitions. So play something which is both Technically hard and full of expression and emotion. Scriabin Sonatas especially no 4 which i am partial to for instance, has lots of success wooing prizes all over the world.