Hey everyone, I've been playing for about 11 years now (18 years old) and I want to take a stab at the LRSM within the next year or so. The pieces that I'm sure that I'll play are:

Bartok Suite Op. 14
Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12 (Is this LRSM standard?)


That takes up about 19 minutes. What I'm not sure about is whether I should do a complete classical sonata or do more romantic pieces (just because I like them the most). The pieces that I'm considering are:

-Haydn Sonata No. 52
-Beethoven "Les Adieux" Sonata
-Mozart Sonata in F, K. 533
-Schumann g minor sonata
-Chopin Ballade No. 1
-Chopin Barcarolle in F#
-Two Chopin Etudes (I have the "Revolutionary" etude ready)
-Liszt Un Sospiro
-Rachmaninoff Prelude in g Op. 23, No. 5

Please let me know which piece(s) would be best to use for LRSM. From that list, I'll need about 21 minutes of music.


To give you an idea of my abilities, here are some videos of my playing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2UHaxaVeUY (HR 12)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2y10mol0ZI (HR 12)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlVF8c_1YvU (Etudes)

Thanks,
aznxboy1228

I assume you have done your grade 8 and DipABRSM or equivalent?

Correct, I passed my Grade 8 in November 2002 and my DipABRSM in 2006 (I passed the recital and Viva Voce portions in November 2004, but I waited until 2006 to pass the Quickstudy). My scores on the DipABRSM were - Recital: 38/60, Viva Voce: 15/25, Quickstudy: 6/15).


Hope this helps!

-aznxboy1228

If you included those two pieces, you'd be left with around 20 minutes of playing time. Now, I am no pianist, nor an expert on putting together diploma programmes, but given your definite repertoire, would it not be 'better' to play something Baroque or early Classical, to save your programme being heavily balanced towards later works? Just a thought...

Wow, you are talented! Lots of energy and some sensitive playing... yes, I watched your videos...

I have not read what it says in the syllubus for the diploma you would like to take, but I think you can select either a Classical Sonata to show your understanding of a wide repertoire, or a romantic piece to show your strength (I don't mean physical strength but your emotional one). However, you seem to have already chosen two Hungarian pieces... so could this be a "theme"???

I will be interested to find out what you actually decide...
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Those performances are super. For LRSM I think Les Adieux would make a good central work . And the G minor Chopin Ballade. I think you should play some Baroque first, at least one Prelude and Fugue from 'WTC' or a Toccata/Partita by Bach, then finally something more modern, maybe Rachmaninov, or even some Shostakovitch.

Remember that LR doesn't necessarily require a "generalist" programme.. The syllabus is very clear on that point...

I'm pretty certain that the Liszt you're suggesting is of a suitable standard, or at least the perfomance you're able to do is. I'm just listening to your opening of the Beethoven c minor concerto (my favourite of the set) as the best piece to balance your programme as far as its content is concerned would be the Beethoven. The orchestra may be a bit scrappy in places, but your playing certainly hits the mark. If this typical of your approach to Beethoven in general, you should do well.

My only slight criticism is that although you play with terrific bravura, your lyrical playing could have sung out a little more, also take care with the pedal its a little muddy in places.

But these are quibbles which I thought worthwhile mentioning as they should help your preparation.

I certainly can't play the piano like that (but I'm a singer)!

Good luck and keep us informed. My LRSM is tomorrow and the members of this forum have been very supportive during my prepapration.

Good Luck to Sags and Jod - Diplomas tomorrow!!

Bing that's sweet. Now if I can remember the Baudiliere Poem that forms the lyric to my Duparc, I'll be OK!

Yes, you should be okay with classical, romantic and modern works only. In fact, the syllabus states you need a programme from at least two distinct musical eras. Good luck in your preparation!

Thank you everyone for your comments and suggestions! Has anyone played the Schumann g minor sonata? I know the first mvt, which I really love, but I haven't heard the other two mvts nor do I know how long the piece is.

You really do play beautifully

For your interest, I'm doing my LRSM on Saturday, and I'm performing:

Beethoven, Sonata in Eb Op 31, no3 (about 24 mins with repeats)
Messaien - Preludes - 'Instants Defunct' (about 4.30 mins)
Berg - Sonata Op 1 (about 10 mins)

I deliberately picked a programme of 'less' known works - I particularly chose a slightly less well known Beethoven. Firstly it should prove more interesting in the VIVA/Programme Notes if they don't know all the works backwards. Secondly, I like to play something different - I fell more able to express my own interpretation, if Classic FM don't play it every other day!

I would pick the Haydn or the Mozart if you choose to use a classical sonata, as Les Adieux is a pretty common one.

I dont know the Schumann, but if like you say you are planning on taking it in a year or so there's no harm in learning the other movements and getting to know it better before you decide? lengthwise it is around 18 mins according to pianopedia.

stay away from the G minor Ballade unless you feel there is something you put into it that no one else does.

as for the etudes, from watching the video i would say it would be a shame not to use them when you play so well- but bear in mind that if you are being examined at a conservatoire, they hear Chopin etudes constantly as i think its a requirement for 2nd or 3rd year of study? (dont quote me on that)

beautiful as Un Sospiro is, you cant play it if you play HR 12 because you are not allowed to use 2 pieces by the same composer unless they specify it in the syllabus

and definately go with the Rachmaninoff prelude, its an amazing piece =]

I thought that was for DipABRSM only. Can't you choose more than one piece by a composer for LRSM?

really?

Can someone confirm this?

I think the best thing is to look at / quote the regulations, under "programming":

Diploma:

"Your programme should be largely drawn from the prescribed lists of instrumental and
vocal works or movements given on pp.36–98. You may, however, also include in your
programme a work or works of your own choice not listed on these pages but
comparable in standard and lasting no more than 7 minutes in total; prior approval
from the Associated Board is not required for any such alternative items. Please note
that performing own-choice repertoire gives no advantage over candidates presenting
syllabus-listed items only.

In your choice of repertoire, you should aim to present a generalist programme that
offers a wide-ranging yet coherent mixture of periods, style, mood and tempo, with no
more than one work by any single composer (except where a combination of
movements or pieces from a composer’s collection is indicated in the prescribed lists).
You should be able to demonstrate musical technique and perception at a level worthy
ofpublic performance and appreciation."

LRSM:

"Your programme should be largely drawn from the prescribed lists of instrumental and
vocal works or movements given on pp.36–98. You may, however, also include in your
programme a work or works of your own choice not listed on these pages but
comparable in standard and lasting no longer than one third of the total platform time;
prior approval from the Associated Board is not required for any such alternative items.
Please note that performing own-choice repertoire gives no advantage over candidates
presenting syllabus-listed items only.

In your choice of repertoire, you should aim to present a balanced programme that
includes a contrast of repertoire from at least two distinct musical eras.Variety of mood
and tempo should also be a guiding factor in the construction ofthe programme."

As you can see, the text I have highlighted in the Dip regulation does not appear in the LRSM regulation. My interpretation of that would be that more than one work by a single composer is allowed. Certainly, when I get to that level, I intend to play all the Ireland pieces (or at least more than one)! However, I think it would be wise not to present a programme that might be viewed as too specialised - that's for the FRSM!

Just have a look on your performance.
U have a good finger-work! So i suggest u can try the Haydn Sonata In E-flat.
About the Hungarian Rhapsody, it is a good choice for this level. (I did one of them in LRSM last year)

For your interest, this is my LRSM recital programme last year!

Two Scarlatti Sonata: Kp.426 & 427
Schubert: Sonata in A minor, Op.143
Ginatera: Danza Argentina
Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody N0.4

Finally i got 88/100 in the LRSM
I hope this would help u!

I'd choose Les Adieux if it's long enough (I thought it was approx 18 mins though could be wrong on that).

HR12 is easily difficult enough for LRSM, probably FRSM even.

I'm sure you're aware that there's a video of Van Cliburn playing it on YouTube.

PS Even better, I've just found Jorge Bolet's recording . It's fair to say you can generally recommend him for Liszt !

- i'm a newbie. First post here, and i would like to ask about the FRSM. I'm not very familiar and never seen any programme for one. Does FRSM means i can specialised my programme? I'm still trying to compile my pieces for FRSM now and will be glad to have some advises. Thanks!
Thinking of doing Mussorgsky - Pictures at an exhibition, beethoven sonata op.110, debussy estampes

Yes you can. The syllabus is very clear on this point. Good luck!

If I pass LRSM, I'm already thinking about FRSM, currently I'm looking at the French Romantic obsession with spain, so currently I'm toying with Carmen's three Arias and La Fille Des Cadiz.

I know that Carmen was originally cast for Mezzo, but a number of notable Soprano's have sung the role, and I have good notes in that part of my voice as well as the top.

I'll balance the programme with some Melodie and Spanish music.

It's been a change of heart, but it presents the best essay possibilities.

I'm also toying with balancing the rest of the programme with works associated with the Soprano Victoria del Los Angelis, again this provides a good essay opportunity.

Its interesting that when thinking about a programme for this level, I'm thinking about what will be the best research project together with what will provide a balanced programme that meets all the criteria.

Whatever the level, it is important to read the small print, you will fail if you don't.

Hi, welcome to the forums .

Just a quick question, looking at your signature - which of your qualifications are you using to satisfy the prerequisites for FRSM? One can use either an LRSM, LRAM, ARCM, FGSMD, FLCM, FTCL, or various royal school qualifications (PGDips, BMus performance, that sort of thing). Just wanted to check (I don't know about the AMusA AMEB, you'd have to check with the board as it's not on the list) before you do all the work for the exam .