Hello

I know this is a piano forum but there might be someone out there who plays harpsichord so here goes.

Next year I might get the chance to play at a recital with other students at my University.

Only six people get the chance to play (there are auditions) and each student has to play a 15 minute program of music at the recital in any style on any instrument. Each student gets £50 for taking part with a prize of £500 for the best performer as voted for by a judging panel.

I would like to play Harpsichord as I love that instrument and there are 3 harpsichords on site (one with 2 manuals) so what could I play that would fill a 15 minute program and make the judges choose me for the recital. I dont want to sound like someone who is only in it for the money as I love performing.

I am a grade 8 pianist and a Grade 8 organist (working towards my ARCO) and I know that I want to play the Air and 5 variations (Harmonious Blacksmith) by Handel which I believe lasts about 4 minutes.

What else could I play though?

Thanks for all you help

You should not cross-post into multiple forums with the same question. Please choose which one you want to keep and PM the mods to delete the extra one(s).

And to answer your question - you should play some Scarlatti.

Do you actually play the harpsichord? If not, and you can choose any instrument to play why not choose piano or organ as you are already proficient at these? I don't play the harpsichord but I do know that it is a different technique to the organ or the piano and wouldn't want to risk playing a recital on an instrument I don't know how to play. If you are keen to get to know the harpsichord does your university offer lessons in the instrument?

I would choose a programme that would suit the type of instrument that you will be usung. If it has a bright Italian sound some of the Fitzwilliam virginals stuff won't really work for example. I agree about using the correct techniques too. Phrasing is very different on the harpsichord and unlike that of the piano the piano but perhaps a little more related to the organ with its set voicing that cannot be altered by touch, and its use of various degrees of staccato to suggest dynamic variation.