Any ABRSM grade 5 ers here??

[kghayesh]

Hi,
I am preparing to enter Grade 5 ABRSM test next month.
Of course you know that there are 3 pieces that should be prepared (one from each style).
In list C, the modern era, I've chosen to play the one called Bossa Nova, No. 4 From Easy Jazzy Piano (Mike Cornick).

It is so easy, but what i am confused about is the tempo with which to play it. Written on top of the score Moderate bossa-nova tempo (quarter note = 132)..

What is bossa-nova tempo?? and i think that 132 for it is too high isn't it??

[greyrune]

Well i haven't played this peice but for my grade 5 (jazz) i played a peice called blue bossa, it's tempo was in the 160's.  Bossa nova's good fun just keep it crisp (my teacher said that to me alot so it's probably good advice).

[greyrune]

lol, i already replied to this, i though i'd done it before turns out it was in another section.  Well the same peice of advice twice means it must be good, lol.

[chopinisque]

You do realise don't you, that this is from the older syllabus?  Moderate bossa nova tempo means a moderate jazzy tempo, not too fast but not lethargic either.  If you think 132 is too fast, try something between 100 and 132 but try not to go any slower.  Doesn't really matter though.  There was this piece with running notes for grade 6 and I played it at roughly half the recommended speed.  Went okay.

BTW, what are you playing for B?  Have you tried Song of the lark?  Or maybe the Heller study?  Or are you taking Lied?

[kghayesh]

For List B, I am playing Tchaikovsky's song of the Lark. I think there is no big difference between all three as they are all not that hard. So, my teacher and I chose Tchakiovsky simply because he is the most well-know composer of the three.

I chose for List A, the Kulhau Allegro movement form the Sonatina in F.

[chopinisque]

How do you opt to use the old syllabus?

[kghayesh]

I didn't choose so. The Local ABRSM representative here gave me this syllabus when i applied for Grade 5. But he told me that this was the last time for this syllabus and that the next time for the new one.

But for me, it doesn't matter much....

[tenn]

Next year is the same as this year so I suggest you ask for an up-to-date syllabus or look it up on the net.

https://www.abrsm.org/resources/pianoGr5_0506.pdf