Hello. I am preparing for Grade 5 piano in the autumn and am now probably doing A1 and C1 pieces. For the B list I would really like to do the Schumann waltz which is described as Lebaft (allegro). I have the abrsm recordings and there is no way that I can play it that fast! I was wondering whether anyone can give me an idea of a suitable speed? Also, if anyone has the teaching notes*could you tell me what speed (if any) is recommended and what hints are given esp. re. pedalling as I am a bit stuck! Thanks!

*Yes, I know I'm being a bit cheeky but in my defence I live abroad and my teacher doesn't usually prepare pupils for exams and I can't pop into a music shop and have a look. Also I have spent a fortune on abrsm publications this year

I don't know the piece (well, I haven't looked at the list, so its more of a case of not knowing the piece you mean), but in my experience all the exam pieces i've thought were at impossible speeds, i can get up to speed with a LOT of practice.

Sorry, I should have been more precise. It's:
Schumann Waltz: No. 4 from Albumblätter, Op. 124. No. 7 from Schumann 16 Albumleaves from Op. 99 & 124

If it's the one I think (and I haven't checked) I think the suggested speed is around cr = 160.

Ok, I haven't heard the piece, and annoyingly it seems to be about the only piece by Schumann I don't have a recording of. My instinct would be to say that it probably doesn't need to go quite as fast as on the CD, as long as you get the feel of it right, but you might want to wait for someone who actually knows the piece to say something before paying too much attention to me.