Piano Concerti Suggestions

[happyface94]

My teacher gave me to play the 1rst Rach Concerto 1rst mouvement for next year, and frankly, I don't think I'm up to the task. I'm frightened by the view of the fifth page and I don't quite get some passages of this music. So I'm looking for concerti I can ask he to switch it from.

To get an idea of my skill level, my other pieces for next year are :

Brahm's 1rst Rhapsody
Bach Prelude and Fugue (one of them)
Liszt Un Sospiro
Granados Goyescas 4rth
Schubert Sonata 13th.

I've just entered level 301 of my conservatoire, which I believe equals for College level. (or bac level in Canada)

I was thinking of Chopin's F minor, or even if I dare ask for the E minor (Which I believe exceeds my skill, but seems easier than the op1 from Rach). Another idea was the Schumann but I don't feel as connected to it. Even the Bach in F minor was interesting, but maybe too easy for my level.

The Grieg A and the Rach2 are off limit since other students are playing it.

So I'm looking for suggestions, or difficulty analysis of the Concerti I mentionned to help me choose. Or arguments to make my teacher change that piece, or arguments on why that piece is possible for me.
thx

[thalbergmad]

For me, there is a large difficulty gap between the solo pieces you are going to be working on and the Rach1. I think the Chopin F minor could be a good switch, or if you can stray a little off the beaten track, the Weber or Mendelssohn Concerto's.

[JamesS]

Yes I agree, I have always considered Rach1 to be harder than Rach2 and it is a long way up from the other repetoire you have posted. You might want to look at Mozart concertos, I don't know them that well so I would hesitate in suggesting any, but you would learn a lot musically and technically from a Mozart concerto. Another possibilty would maybe be Beethoven No.3. Or another good one would be the Ravel G major, not too long and not excessively difficult. There are probably others I can think of, I will post them when they come to mind.

J.

[happyface94]

I had initially thought of the Beethoven 3rd.

The solo pieces were intended to be easier in order to give me more time for the Concerto. Other years of which I have played much harder pieces such as Chopin's revolutionnary study or his popular Scherzo.

I have already played a Mozart Concerto, the 23rd. Which is why this year I get another compositor.

I have never heard of the Ravel, neither the Weber or the Mendelssohn. However, I have this distaste for french harmonies as they tend to be "too atonal" for me. I always prefered the romantic melodies.

How's the Chopin E minor compared to the Rach 1?

EDIT - That is the 1rst Rhapsody, not the 2nd, just looked at my program sheet.

[presto agitato]

Why dont you try Saint-Saens num 2?

Dvorak´s is another great option.

[happyface94]

The Saint Saens isnt bad. All my friends have played it, I was trying to be original in my choices thats all. I'll take a look at all those suggestions you've posted. Keep them coming :p

[steinwayguy]

Bartok's 3rd or Mozart's 20th

[viking]

PLAY LISZT TOTENTANZ (Just a suggestion)  I love this piece.  It is easier than either liszt concerto, probably easier than Chopin, Rachmaninoff, or Saint-Saens, and tougher than Mozart, Grieg, Schumann probably, and early Beethoven.  Although easier than most major romantic concerted works, it is a great piece.  Way more fun to play than the Mozart concertos (Most of them) and quite satisfying. Take a look.
SAM

[kaiwin]

Mozart Piano Concerto No. 20

Because i'm playing it to :-D

Reallly good concerto...

[raffyplayspiano]

I would go with the Beethoven 2nd or 3rd.   the thirid is more difficult, although i personally enjoy the second more.  Rach 1 is really difficult, more difficult than the more popular second.  If you can play the Rach 1, you are just as able to play the Rach sonata # 2....well maybe not, but pretty darn close. 
Mendelsohn is nice, as is the Schumann....well, let us know what you pick, hope i was of some help
raffy

[happyface94]

I asked for the 2 Chopin, or the Mozart 20th (Had never heard it before, its GREAT). Anyway, theY'll probably all get rejected, as of which i'll ask for the Schumann unless I can find a recording of the suggestions you guys posted.