Program Opinions

[KyleE]

I am entering a piano competition on May 31, another on June 1st, and then a solo concert on June 2nd.  I just wanted you opinion on my program.  

Scarlatti- Sonata in A Major (K.24, L.495)
Scarlatti- Sonata in E Minor (K.147, L.376)
Mozart- Sonata KV457 in C Minor--all movements
Chopin- Nocturne op.32 Nr.2
Debussy- Feux d'artifice (Fireworks)

Only on the 2nd will I be performing the entire program.  The other times I will only play 2 pieces.  I am also interested in auditioning for some kind of college prep course for my senior year in high school with this program.  Please give me your opinions on it.  I am 16 years old.  Thank you in advance.

Also, if anyone knows a college in NJ/NY area that has classes on week days for high school students, please let me know.  I have all my credits I need to graduate except 15.  I would need to go to my high school for the 1st 3 periods senior year but then I would go to a music school to further my musical knowledge rather than stay in school for cooking, and auto tech classes.  Thanks

Kyle

[rachfan]

I think you have an interesting program there.  You've  covered the Baroque, Viennese Classic, Romantic and Modern periods in chronological order.  Good!  The tempi are different, and the key signatures also provide variety, the Nocturne being in A flat.  (I could never quite figure out the key of Feux d'Artifice.  Seems to start in F, ends in C yet on a D flat, and has so many changes in between.  I'm not sure what predominates there.  Scarlatti is suave music, and considered now as important and interesting as Bach.  (Back when I was your age, Scarlatti was not yet rediscovered and very seldom performed in recital.  I think Anthony di Bonaventura and Horowitz played  important roles in championing Scarlatti's music.)

From a personal taste standpoint, I would enjoy less Baroque and more Romantic or Impressionistic pieces in the mix of the full recital program--just my own preference though, which will vary by person.  

Good luck on your performances!

[ned]

I agree with RachFan as usual. First I am not able to help you on your main concern which is schooling. Sorry! But I do like talking about programs. Your program is great for what you are doing but for the future I would add some things. And subtract some others.
The Mozart piece is so great that I think you don't need Scarlatti. He doesn't really belong here. How about playing the Fantasy before the sonata? Use the Scarlatti to start another recital.
After the Mozart I feel like some  Schubert or Brahms would be a good respite and a good transition.
The Chopin Nocturne needs some company. How about a mazurka or two? Or a waltz? (You should have some dance pieces.) Even another nocturne, say C sharp minor op 27. I personally would end the recital with a big Chopin piece, eg a Scherzo or Ballade. I would put Debussy BEFORE Chopin and again I would add some contrasting pieces, eg, La plus que lente, La cathedrale engloutie, Les sons et les parfums, or whatever. But again those thoughts are for the future.
Building programs is almost as much work as the pieces.
Good luck.

[Franz_Liszt]

I would add some Bach and Liszt.