Accessible contemporary piece for Finale? Seems Impossible!

[montez001]

Hi everyone, this is my first post although I've read quite a bit of the forums.  I'd really appreciate any ideas you may have.  I wanted to include repertoire from the contemporary period for the last part of my senior recital, but am having a LOT of trouble finding something that isn't too far-off standard repertoire and would be a crowd pleaser.  All I can think of is Barber's Sonata, but it doesn't really appeal to me aside from the Fourth Movement.... Any suggestions??  Help!

[possom46]

Not sure if these will help, just pieces I have played already:-

Bartok Sonata
Gershwin Preludes
Berkeley Preludes
Szymankowski Etudes
Hovland Etude
Britten Moderato and Nocturne from Sonatina Romantica

Good luck with the recital 

[porilo]

How about a few of the "Vingt Regards" of Messiaen?  Or, for that matter, anything by him!  You can tell I love his music !    

Gregory

[montez001]

These are all some really great suggestions.  To be honest, the only ones I am familiar with are the Gershwin Preludes!    I've made a list and am going to go and try and find some recordings today.  Thanks for replying!!

[whynot]

How about Medtner Fairy Tales op 26?  He wrote gobs of these, I think, this is just the set I know.  Four short movements, sweet-fast-sweet-kinda fast w/ a big accel. to the finish.  Very pianistic, feels good to play.  Total work is maybe 10-12 m, very accessible to the listener, and quick to learn because the actual material ranges from easy to med-difficult, nothing crazy at all.   It's the tempo markings that push it over the edge in places (mvt 2 is blazing at the marked tempo), but it sounds good at any speed, so you can just play the tempi you get to by concert time.  Although if you can play the Barber Sonata, you could follow these tempo markings!  Your senior recital, yea!  What else are you playing, if this doesn't sidetrack your thread too much...        

[Dazzer]

ligeti?

[decadent]

Kapustin Concert Etudes, or almost anything by him!

[beethoartok]

Bartok- two roumanian dances
Ravel- Sonatine
Ginastera- danzas criollas