I have an audition next march for a music conservatory as an entering sophomore. The audition requirements are as follows:

1. A polyphonic composition of at least the difficulty of a Bach three-part invention.
2. One of the easier complete sonatas by Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven (Opus 49
excepted).
3. A composition from the Romantic, Impressionist, or Contemporary repertoire.

What are some good pieces that I should consider? or how should I decide if a certain piece I come to like would be good for an audition?


Thanks :]

That's a very open ended question. Perhaps you could start by telling us a bit more about what is in your current repertoire and what sorts of works you have played in the past.

If you like it, chances are others will like it, too. Especially since you the more you like it, the more likely you are to play it better. Go with your instincts!

My most recent accomplishment was finishing Beethoven's C# Minor Sonata more commonly know as the "Moonlight" Sonata all 3 movements.

I suggest the Goldberg Variations, the Hammerklavier, and Opus Clavicembalusticum.

@jeffereyjones

Can you please pay attention to the post before writing? It says an easier beethoven sonata and a polyphonic composition of the difficulty of a Bach 3 part invention. Those that you listed seem to be out of range from the requirements.

I have a funny feeling that he's kidding.

Yeah considering the difficulty of those, now I know why I am not on these forums that often.

Seriously though.

Bach Sinfonia No. 14 in B-flat major, BWV 800
Beethoven Sonata in F major, Op. 10, No. 2
Schoenberg 6 Little Pieces (Kleine Klavierstucke), Op. 19

All relatively simple, but they will show if you have the refinement to be in a conservatory program.

Jeffrey -

Glad to see that you followed through with a constructive response. Just curious....why the Schoenberg??

ew Schoenberg.

Sorry just had to =P

Beethoven op. 14 E major (is it 1 or 2?? I always forget) is a good one also. Romantic - Liszt legend no. 2. It's not very difficult, I think.

I think it would be best to choose pieces you would be comfortable with. If you already have some prior repertoire that you can use and play well, by all means use them instead of learning something new. That being said, based on the requirements you listed I don't think this conservatory you are trying for is expecting experienced pianists for the intake, hence the lower requirements.

I think Liszt Legend would be way overkill for this audition. Maybe the 3rd Consolation or one of the Sonnets? Chopin also have medium scale pieces suitable for this type of audition. Can try for one of his Nocturnes or the Berceuse.

"... entering sophomore"? Doesn't one usually enter as a "freshman"? Are you transferring from another institution? Transferring from another program?

Regards,

14/1

The Schoenberg is really versatile. It was in my junior recital, and I've played it for competitions as well. But it's not difficult to play at all, just a little awkward.

too easy

Not "too easy" by the standards quoted by the OP.

Regards,

We've had your opinion, now have mine - the op.19 pieces are just beautiful, especially #1 and #6.

And now we've had your opinion; now have mine. Eww Schoenberg.

Yes thank you all for the suggestions. I will look into these pieces more. And @BruceD yes. I am transferring from a community college.

Good thing a majority vote out of 3 doesn't determine musical worth ...

Would you guys say the Pathetique is a decent choice for an audition at that level ? I have a friend trying as well, so I'm interested. Other pieces would be a Bach Sinfonia and a Chopin Etude. Wouldn't it be kind of a gamble to play such a well-known piece ?

Pathetique is a great piece, but a lot of pianists seem to underestimate its demands. If he can do those broken octaves properly, more power to him. In an audition like that, it's less about what you play and more about how you play it.

The demands of this audition are not particularly arduous technically. Certainly it would not be difficult to listen to enough of the sonatas to get an idea of what you might like. The easiest choices for the polyphonic pieces would be the Bach Inventions themselves, but there are a lot of others, including Mozart's Eine Kleine Gigue or a duet from among Mendelssohn's Songs Without Words. Some of Milhaud's Saudades do Brazil would probably qualify as both polyphonic and contemporary or impressionist.

I like the idea of an audition like this. It shows that the jury is not just interested in technical fireworks. With that in mind, it will be worthwhile looking around, and showing that you are interesting, not just a set of mindless fingers.

AS for a chopin nocturnes, I do like Op 9 No. 1 and the Op 48 in C minor. I am having trouble deciding which one. >.< perhaps the Op 9 because I know the C minor is rather popular. Or maybe other suggestions? Thanks

Don't choose based on popularity. I think the c minor would show more of a technical ability with all the octaves. If you do that well, go for it. However, if you can be more musical with the OP 9 No 1, then do that one. It's more about picking your best, and not so much about which is harder or more impressive technically.

Ok thanks Morodiene. I'm just really nervous about this audition and I want to make the best decisions. :]