First post here!

I've just received my grade 8 piano distinction, and have started looking over the DipABRSM repertoire after reading the syllabus in detail. (It's so long!)

Anyway my dilemmas:-

1)I want to play a Debussy piece, but none on the accepted list really do it for me. Would Debussy's "Deux Arabesques" be too easy?

2) I've never had to play pieces of such standard from memory. I know the syllabus does not require playing from memory, but as most concert pianists do play from memory, should I attempt it?

3) Lastly, how is DipABRSM marked? Are there still pass, merit, distinctions?

Thanks for your help!

Gabrielle


P.S. My programme so far:
Haydn: F minor Variations
Brahms: Intermezzo in A (major)

Hi synconi,

Congratulations on Distinction at Grade 8 Piano - very well done you. I was lucky enough to get the same result last February

I'm also looking at DipABRSM, and have also considered doing own-choice pieces.

I think as long as you stay within the syllabus guidelines concerning own-choice pieces (maximum duration etc.), you should be fine with Debussy's Deux Arabesques - both have appeared on grade 8 lists in recent years, as have many of the listed pieces on the DipABRSM syllabus. Check the timing to see if you are within the maximum duration with these own-choice choices.

I too am looking at doing the Haydn Variations in F Minor, and Brahms but I'm more inclined towards the Rhapsody in G Minor. The Intermezzo in A is gorgeous though.

As for the gradings at DipABRSM, I think it's:

Pass
Clear Pass
High Pass
Distinction

But only 'Pass' or 'Distinction' appear on the certifiactes, as applicable.

I'm sure other forumites can give you more detailed info on these points, and correct me if I'm wrong on any too...

Good luck

denmark

p.s. As for playing from memory, it's not expected in the exam, but if it helps your performance and you feel confident enough to pull it off, then go for it. However, no credit is gained specifically for playing from memory, even though it is 'the convention' for concert recitalists. I'm not attempting it, and nor did my friend (who got Distinction at DipABRSM). So, if you ask me, only give playing from memory careful consideration if you know what you are doing...

denmark

Those Haydn Variations are really nice to play !
Would expect you to do something contrapuntal, preferably Bach, and your Brahms is OK for a Romantic piece. Then you either need your Debussy or something later still. I guess the Arabesques may be acceptable.
Do you know the Scriabin Op11 or Shostakovich Op34 Preludes ?

Yes, I am absolutely loving the variations! I've got the first two variations under my belt, and my teacher's pleased so far!

I'm definitely going to do a Bach prelude and fugue, probably from Well-tempered Clavier book 1 as I have it. I'm not very keen on very modern music, though, so I may stick with going with Debussy as my latest, though the Scriabin does appeal to me, also. It depends how my timings are, I guess.

Hello denmark!

Thank you, and congratulations to you, also!

Yes, timing is a slight issue with the Arabesques. I'd love to play them both, but that would make it about 8 minutes, and that's too much. :/
I may have to settle with just playing one of them.

Thank you very much for your words and advice- I feel better about not playing from memory now!

Hello denmark!

Thank you, and congratulations to you, also!

Yes, timing is a slight issue with the Arabesques. I'd love to play them both, but that would make it about 8 minutes, and that's too much. :/
I may have to settle with just playing one of them.

Thank you very much for your words and advice- I feel better about not playing from memory now!

Hello denmark!

Thank you, and congratulations to you, also!

Yes, timing is a slight issue with the Arabesques. I'd love to play them both, but that would make it about 8 minutes, and that's too much. :/
I may have to settle with just playing one of them.

Thank you very much for your words and advice- I feel better about not playing from memory now!




Hello denmark!

Thank you, and congratulations to you, also!

Yes, timing is a slight issue with the Arabesques. I'd love to play them both, but that would make it about 8 minutes, and that's too much. :/
I may have to settle with just playing one of them.

Thank you very much for your words and advice- I feel better about not playing from memory now!