I would like to play Golliwog’s Cake-walk by Claude Debussy (from Classics to Moderns book 6 last piece) in Music Festival. Is there any teacher knowing what grade this piece is? Can I enter this piece to TWENTIETH CENTURY TO THE PRESENT DAY class?

Years ago I did it for my 8, I believe it has also been set as 7.

G's C W is from Children's Corner suite which was completed in 1908, so you are just inside the 20th century.

I also played it for my Grade 8 exam, a very, very long time ago.

Very non p-c to give it it's proper title: Classic FM never do, they call it "The Cakewalk from Childrens Corner". How ridiculous.

However, back on topic, definitely grade 8 when I was doing grade 5 (1973).

Thanks a lot for everyone's quick response. I feel that ABRSM Forums are very helpful.

PC bullies at it again, eh, ? The jam jar label persons cakewalk is about Grade 7. I believe his other piece the little chappie of the darker hue is around grade 6.

I notice in your sig that you now have a Piccolo, Rob.... how are your eardrums coping?

Does this piece belong to Swing Jazz and Blue Category as well?

No.

As maggiemay noted it is a movement from Claude Debussy's Children's Corner Suite. Debussy is a French late romantic/early 20th Century Impressionist composer (Like Ravel, he's kind of one of the bridges between the romanatic period and early 20th century music). Try to listen to the whole suite and some of Debussy's other music, as this will help you understand the style and context of the Children's Corner. I can appreciate why you might think that the Golliwogg's Cake Walk sounds a bit jazz-like if you don't know anything about the composer or the context of the movement - but it isn't jazz. Some of the other movements in the Children's Corner Suite, such as The Little Shephard are more clearly romantic/impressionist in style.

If you need to do any programme notes, or if a programme is being printed for the competition, you may want to note that in this instance Golliwogg's is spelt with 2 g's - it is an older spelling of the term.

Do you remember this piece was in Group B or C when you took the exam?

Fine, so far, though I have hardly played it yet!