I have 3 pupils about to start looking at the grade 8 pieces and I would love to know what other pupils have chosen. My last grade 8 pupil used the 2007/2008 syllabus, so we are all in fresh waters here.
Regarding the current 'C' list my first thought was - 'Alligator Crawl' - how wonderful! It is, of course, a greatly simplyfied version of Fats Waller's original, but I do hope a new generation of pianists will come to know it and appreciate just how great a pianist Fats Waller was.
After noticing the Waller piece I started to look at Piazzolla's new style tango 'Retrato de (Portrait of) Alfredo Gobbi. What a haunting piece - this would be my choice!
Full Version: Piano Grade 8 Pieces - What Do You Recommend?
Well, Im not doing Grade 8 but am familiar with (and play)a lot of the repertoire in the list. I agree the Alligator Crawl will probably the best choice for most pupils. (The Prokofiev March is very tricky!)
As far as List A goes I would say the Bach WTC F Minor in book 2. I do play the Shost, but I dont think I would want to do it in an exam.
List B, I would tend towards the Beethoven Op10 No 1 Finale, but actually my daughter played the Clementi B flat for Grade 8 about 15 yrs ago (you had to do the whole sonata for Grade 8 then). Its a pleasant piece, and a bit 'lighter' than the Beethoven, and not too technical.
Just my humble opinion!
As far as List A goes I would say the Bach WTC F Minor in book 2. I do play the Shost, but I dont think I would want to do it in an exam.
List B, I would tend towards the Beethoven Op10 No 1 Finale, but actually my daughter played the Clementi B flat for Grade 8 about 15 yrs ago (you had to do the whole sonata for Grade 8 then). Its a pleasant piece, and a bit 'lighter' than the Beethoven, and not too technical.
Just my humble opinion!
the pieces i liked (and am studying) are
A1 Sonata in D Minor
B2 Allegro con Brio
C4 Retrato
I love the list C one. The Sonata is the root of all evil for me at the moment and I'm half way through the list B piece.
Was tempted by the Waller piece but didn't fancy doing a rag time and preferred the drive and contrasting themes in retrato
A1 Sonata in D Minor
B2 Allegro con Brio
C4 Retrato
I love the list C one. The Sonata is the root of all evil for me at the moment and I'm half way through the list B piece.
Was tempted by the Waller piece but didn't fancy doing a rag time and preferred the drive and contrasting themes in retrato
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlwYfMU-kkM Check this out Prokofiev playing the love for 3 oranges. It is a fantastic piece, but incredibly tricky. I have a student doing this one for his 8 and he is the only one who would be physically capable of it, I can't play it my hands are too small.
I love the Piazzola as well, not too keen on alligator.
The Clementi sonata is a very accessible choice, and the Shosty for the A list, but my student fancies the Bach WTK althoug this fugue is quite tricky. We'll see he's not starting that one until the Prokofiev is ready for a break.
I love the Piazzola as well, not too keen on alligator.
The Clementi sonata is a very accessible choice, and the Shosty for the A list, but my student fancies the Bach WTK althoug this fugue is quite tricky. We'll see he's not starting that one until the Prokofiev is ready for a break.
Current piano Grade 8 list. You are spoiled for choice!! Can hardly go wrong.
QUOTE(cambiata @ Jun 18 2009, 01:51 PM) 
I agree the Bach WTC is a good choice for List A - although the Fugue is a lot more work than the Prelude. Mozart in C minor or maybe the Haydn for smaller hands for List B. I love the Ireland piece for List C. These are my recommendations for my pupils although a new grade 8 student starting in Sept wants to do the Gershwin.
I've listened to them all on Naxos (except the Cimarosa isn't on there) which is very useful.
A grade 8 student of mine recently played Bach:WTC Book 2 f minor; Beethoven Sonata (1st movt); and the Piazzolla. He loves those pieces, enjoyed learning and practising them and did well. He made his own choice.
Students at this level are capable of making their own choices and should be encouraged to do so. If they like the music and have ability they will master it.
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