OK .. come October I'll be doing my LRSM - got the pieces all sorted and chugging away quite nicely but I'm having some changes of mind regarding the order.

I'm playing :

Sonata No 3 - Kabalesky (16 mins)
Prelude and Fugue in G # min No 18 BWV 887 WTC bk 2 - Bach (9 mins)
Ballade No 2 - Chopin (8mins)
Miroirs - Noctuelles - Ravel (5mins)

I'd like to finish with the Chopin and think the Kabalesky probably shouldn't go first but I'd really welcome some viewpoints and reasoning. I think at LRSM level the aim should be a cohesive and 'listenable' program rather than electing something like chronological / period order

Please feel free to comment on both order and piece selection - if there is anything in there you don't think fits I have a few options for substitution

many thanks

Musicman

I love that Sonata, but because of the complete difference in sound world from the others I would probably do it last, also it's so full of contrasts I'm always exhausted when I've finished that could just be my lack of fitness though and I haven't quite finished the 3rd movement. Can you stretch the 10th chords in the first movement or do you cheat like me

Honestly I'd probably consider Ravel, Bach, Chopin, Kabalevski. I don't think the Ravel and the Kabalevski would work well together.

Which orders have you tried? I often find there are some pieces that just won't work after another.

I would nearly always prefer to do Bach first (G#minor, what an awkward key! Have you ever tried the Shost P & F in that key - the fugue is impossible ! ) . The order of the other three, maybe not so important

In general, it's better to end a programme with something bright and loud.
The Chopin Ballade No. 2 ends quietly, doesn't it? Not an effective final piece in my opinion.

Also, it's better to begin a programme with a short piece that is not too difficult technically and structurally. In that way, both the performer and audience have a chance to warm up. Having said that, you may want to begin with the Bach P&F. Put the Kabalevsky Sonata in the middle or at the end (if it has a big ending; sorry I don't know this sonata).

It does have a big ending - middle movement aside and it does have quite a few piano moments but it's actually quite an agressive piece. very firey and great fun - last time I performed the first movement for our local festival I heard a couple of ladies in the front row say ' oh that poor piano' I got some great comments from the adjudicator about the range of dynamics.

If its (Kabalevsky) anything like the C major Sonatina Op13 it will be great!

I agree with the earlier suggestion of Ravel, Bach, Chopin, Kabalevski in that order. I think that would work well.
Good luck with it.
P

MusicmanNZ,

What an entertaining recital you've chosen for LRSM.

I adore the Kabalevsky Sonata No 3, and for me the only place for it is at the end, to finish with a bang.

Bach or Ravel to start seems to be the consensus here, so I think the best order would have to be

Bach
Ravel
Chopin
Kabalevsky

as almost suggested by 'SomePianist' (real username, not an insult from me... )

denmark

I've just reminded myself of the Ravel and Bach by downloading them from www.pianosociety.com and though there's not much in it, I think to open with the Ravel would be really something. The contrast of the Bach between the adjacent Ravel and Chopin works really well I think, but that's just my opinion!

Ravel
Bach
Chopin
Kabalevsky

Good luck to the original poster with whatever they choose!