Hi there!

The music academy I'm studying in is preparing an Easter Party for the 2nd of April. Both Teachers and Students are invited to play, and they've asked me to play.
I'm trying to figure out which of the following two works should I play:

Toccata BWV 914 - Johann Sebastian Bach
Or
Clair de Lune - Claude Debussy

Although Bach is my favorite composer, I think I'm going to stick to Debussy this time. And probably record Bach's Toccata soon and post it here, if you wish. Maybe I should record Debussy's Clair de Lune too.

When I was at the conservatoire, my piano teacher (a concert pianist) used to tell me that my playing of Bach was great, much better than the rest of the students in the conservatoire, and I'm very proud about that, but my Bach is very intimate, and I think it won't suit this recital.

So... Debussy for the win.

Oh, gosh, I've answered myself, what a silly thread... haha.

Any comments on controlling my nerves and such other things that commonly occur will be more than welcome.

Cheers!

Glad to be of help.

-

Oh cheers, mate! That was really constructive! haha ^^

Will your recital be recorded...and if so, could you post it here?

I'd play both for the contrast. But that's JMHO!

Well, you've already chosen but I will say I agree with your choice. Debussy somehow seems more appropriate to me for an Easter party although Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune / Printemps would be even better. What the heck, you've got a few weeks to learn it

Please do post a recording.

Thank you guys for your comments!
I don't know if the recital will be recorded, but I will record some of these works soon and post them here, maybe a video recording.

Well, since it's an Easter party why don't you do something much more appropriate, which will surprise and perhaps even stun your audience - do a medley of hymns that are closely associated with the Easter celebration such as:

The Old Rugged Cross
Were You There
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
At the Cross
Beneath the Cross of Jesus
Jesus Paid it All
Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross

Pick 3 - put together a continuous medley - these hymns all have beautiful melodies - a medley of 3 of them will sound almost like a classical piece - you will be impressive - the audience will be moved both by the beauty of the music and your skill at putting together a nice medley - the music is perfect for the occassion and will be a unique creation of your own - what more could you ask?

Nice arrangements of all of these hymns (and more) can be found in "The Definitive Hymn Collection" available at sheetmusic.com.
Note that it doesn't matter whether or not you are especially religious - the music is both beautiful and appropriate!

Regards, JF

I whole heartedly agree with John. It's an Easter celebration, choose music that is appropriate for the event (and I don't mean music about bunnies).

Afterall, one wouldn't play something like Dawn of the Dead by Rachmaninoff at a wedding.

Guys, 10 days left and I'm starting to feel very nervous.
Any advice on handling recitals and nerves?
They've asked me today which piece would I play, because they had to write the programme, I finally said "Clair de Lune", since I don't want to start something new in these 10 days. I'll start new works afterwards.
Any advice will be highly appreciated.
Nerves, tension, shaky hands... You know; the usual things when a recital is near... They're driving me crazy.

Many thanks.

First off, don't get yourself all worked up! Anytime you feel anxious about it, tell yourself that you know this piece and you are well-prepared for it, then FORCE yourself to think of something else, something pleasant. You can also think about how excited you are to play (vs. how nervous you are) and what fun it will be to share this music that you love with others.

Get together everyone and anyone who will listen to you play. The more formal you can make it the better, so it will simulate the actual recital. If you can practice on that instrument beforehand, that too would help you a lot to get used to the instrument and the space you'll be playing in. While you play, you have to maintain your focus on your music. Do not let your mind wander to think about what someone is doing or thinking as you play...think "what is next?" at all times to keep your mind on what you're doing.

I agree with John Frank, but it sounds like the OP doesn't have much time to work up anything new.



Isn't that Isle of the Dead? You sound like you've been binging on George A. Romero movies lately.

I don't have any experience with nerves with regards to piano recitals, but I've certainly been faced with tense situations on a golf course. And most of the time I've tended to do okay. I put it down to practice - the more times you ingrain something in your head/body, the easier it becomes to repeat that when under pressure.

So just think back to the countless hours you have been perfecting your craft, Alvaro. Those hours upon hours you spent sitting on the bench. Now it's time to cash in and get the rewards for your effort.

Who exactly is in your audience? If it is general public, then just remember that you are doing something they can't do. They are coming to watch YOU play for a reason - because you are good!

Another tip which I find helps is to laugh before you have to perform. And defiantely smile lots at the audience!

Whatever you will do,even if you make mistakes even if you are not,this will help you become better.After i played for an audience and made a lot of mistakes to the examiners,i was really disappointed the first 1-2 days but then i said to myself:i will show them next time.So whatever you will do i think that in the end there will be many times you will given the opportunity to prove yourself.I believe that the best weapon for anxiety in the end,is playing playing and playing in front of audiences.

Wish you lots of good luck,show them the magic of the piece!

You mean Rachmaninoff didn't write the soundtrack for Dawn of the Dead? I'm disillusioned.

Well, it certainly takes a unique person of exceptional intellectual prowess and rare discriminating taste to agree with John Frank - and it would seem you are also correct in your assessment of the "time factor" (or lack thereof) - maybe next year.

But let this be a lesson to the rest of you

Regards, JF