Has anyone else looked at the new grade 8 pieces yet? I got the books (Peters as well as abrsm) a couple of weeks ago and can't decide which A piece I want to do. None of them particularly call to me.
For B and C pieces I like them all so much I can't decide between them.. Have probably settled on the Beethoven and Brubeck respectively though.
Is it a disadvantage to play the Sonata Pathetique from the B pieces, as it's so famous the examiner will be used to hearing far better interpretations?
Full Version: Grade 8 Piano Pieces 2011-2012
Hello Any.
I know much of the new Grade 8 repertoire.
For List A the Bach BFlat should be OK, my own daughter did this for Grade 8 in about 1993-4 (there's just one tricky bit in the fugue where the two hands share the theme in the inner parts. Though the Scarlatti F#minor Sonata is worth a look, if you dont mind cross hands a bit. (maybe im biased 'cos its my favourite key!)
For List B, several people on here have questioned whether its a good idea to do the last movemnet of the Pathetique, though I cant see why not. Alternatively look at the Mozart and the Haydn in E Flat.
For List C, I love playing Schumanns 'Abschied' , and as other forumites will know, I played it at the Leeds Forum event in June. But I have also discovered that Kapustin piece, - if you like Jazz, thats the one for you. I also play that B Major Nocturne of Chopin quite a lot, don't let the awkward key put you off, the notes are straightforward to learn
I know much of the new Grade 8 repertoire.
For List A the Bach BFlat should be OK, my own daughter did this for Grade 8 in about 1993-4 (there's just one tricky bit in the fugue where the two hands share the theme in the inner parts. Though the Scarlatti F#minor Sonata is worth a look, if you dont mind cross hands a bit. (maybe im biased 'cos its my favourite key!)
For List B, several people on here have questioned whether its a good idea to do the last movemnet of the Pathetique, though I cant see why not. Alternatively look at the Mozart and the Haydn in E Flat.
For List C, I love playing Schumanns 'Abschied' , and as other forumites will know, I played it at the Leeds Forum event in June. But I have also discovered that Kapustin piece, - if you like Jazz, thats the one for you. I also play that B Major Nocturne of Chopin quite a lot, don't let the awkward key put you off, the notes are straightforward to learn
Oh sorry has it already been discussed! I couldn't find it anywhere! Yes it's between the Bach and the F# minor one for me I think, wow I can't believe you suggest the same ones! I am super ignorant about music so I am pleased I picked ones you mention! I'll learn them both for a bit then drop one, is that an ok method?
List B i do like the mozart as well but loved the beethoven, the Haydn's so nice as well, if only I could do two of those instead of a list A :/
And the Kapustin is lovely! Is that going to be a better choice than the Brubeck? The jazz pieces seem a lot easier than the classical ones or is it just me?
Thank you so much for your answers! Is it weird to be influencing many many hours of a stranger's life by commenting on the internet?
List B i do like the mozart as well but loved the beethoven, the Haydn's so nice as well, if only I could do two of those instead of a list A :/
And the Kapustin is lovely! Is that going to be a better choice than the Brubeck? The jazz pieces seem a lot easier than the classical ones or is it just me?
Thank you so much for your answers! Is it weird to be influencing many many hours of a stranger's life by commenting on the internet?
QUOTE(any @ Aug 23 2010, 02:21 PM) 
Oh sorry has it already been discussed! I couldn't find it anywhere! Yes it's between the Bach and the F# minor one for me I think, wow I can't believe you suggest the same ones! I am super ignorant about music so I am pleased I picked ones you mention! I'll learn them both for a bit then drop one, is that an ok method?
And the Kapustin is lovely! Is that going to be a better choice than the Brubeck? The jazz pieces seem a lot easier than the classical ones or is it just me?
I think that fsharpminor might have been thinking of the discussion about playing the 'Pathetique' in full, as part of a Diploma recital, rather than the one movement for the Grade 8 exam.
Anyway, that Bach P&F is easier than the Capriccio from his C minor Partita, believe me and both are probably easier than the Ravel fugue!
Like fsharpminor, I too am a fan of Kapustin - this is one of his easier works, but a delightful one at that - yet also of Brubeck, so I would be torn between the two!
By all means learn to play more than one from each section and then make your choice, unless you are already sure of what you want to play - last year, when I took my own Grade 8 exam, I was familiar with the vast majority of pieces on offer anyway, so was able to go straight to those pieces that I wanted to refine for the exam.
In fact, you've spurred me on to go to the piano now and take a look at what's on offer, in more detail!
Anyone could suggest a realistic tempo for the Bach P&F? Dover says Vivace 76 and Allegro 120. These speeds are definitely a lot higher than meeting Grade 8 requirements. I personally think 60-66 and 84-96.
The fugue at 120 would be a cacophony Alan ! Yes I would say your near the mark for the fugue, any faster would compromise clarity - but I think the Toccata can be at about 72.
Hi Any
I am doing the Bach cappricio from partita no 2 which is probably the hardest thing I have ever played but I am completely obsessed with it as it is such fun to play. Stupidly watched Martha Argerich playing it on u-tube and am constantly underwhelmed by my own attempts!
I have opted for the last movement of the pathetique because I have played it before (cheating!), and then I shall do the Debussy, which I love because it's a bit different, slightly, but not too, discordant.
I am doing the Bach cappricio from partita no 2 which is probably the hardest thing I have ever played but I am completely obsessed with it as it is such fun to play. Stupidly watched Martha Argerich playing it on u-tube and am constantly underwhelmed by my own attempts!
I have opted for the last movement of the pathetique because I have played it before (cheating!), and then I shall do the Debussy, which I love because it's a bit different, slightly, but not too, discordant.
QUOTE(barncottagecat @ Sep 15 2010, 10:22 PM)
Hi Any
I am doing the Bach cappricio from partita no 2 which is probably the hardest thing I have ever played but I am completely obsessed with it as it is such fun to play. Stupidly watched Martha Argerich playing it on u-tube and am constantly underwhelmed by my own attempts!
I have opted for the last movement of the pathetique because I have played it before (cheating!), and then I shall do the Debussy, which I love because it's a bit different, slightly, but not too, discordant.
Yes that Capriccio is very difficult for Grade 8, I have kept attempting this for a while, you get so many of those leaps of a tenth OK, then one goes wrong- that leads to more being wrong! But you must get them all right , and with both hands !
I have got obsessed with the Kapustin 'C' piece. Of course Im not doing the exam, but I know most of ther repertoire list.
Right thats me logging off for today, goodnight all.
I am in the process of trying a number of those Grade 8 pieces now. For List A I got A3 first ready at a resonable standard (e.g. 25/30). A6 would be the last one I would attempt.
There seems to be a number of people choosing A8.
There seems to be a number of people choosing A8.
QUOTE(alanchan1024 @ Sep 16 2010, 04:01 PM)
I am in the process of trying a number of those Grade 8 pieces now. For List A I got A3 first ready at a resonable standard (e.g. 25/30). A6 would be the last one I would attempt.
There seems to be a number of people choosing A8.
If the Scarlatti Sonata in B minor is the one that I think it is, then it is a favourite of many a pianist and I should think that it will become a popular choice.
I have already flagged-up the Madsen (A2) as being well worth investigating.
I'm currently deciding what pieces to do for grade 8, and there's a good selection this time. My advice would be not to do B2 (John Field) and A3 (Schumann) together, or A1 (Bach) and B3 (Mozart), as they are very similar in style and it's better to have a varied programme.
I think I'm most certainly going to do the Dave Brubeck jazz piece (C3) of course. I have to say it does sound very similar to the Charlie Wilson Blues (for those who were at the Woodford forum concert in 2006 will know what I'm talking about
).
For the other pieces, I think I might go for the pieces that I like the best in terms of listening to. The Beethoven in list B is very playable, but is probably a bit too demanding. The Mozart is nice too, but I think I'm going to go for the John Field piece. For list A, I really like the Madsen option (A2), and have made a start on the Prelude which I've got into quite well so far.
Car Expert
I think I'm most certainly going to do the Dave Brubeck jazz piece (C3) of course. I have to say it does sound very similar to the Charlie Wilson Blues (for those who were at the Woodford forum concert in 2006 will know what I'm talking about
).For the other pieces, I think I might go for the pieces that I like the best in terms of listening to. The Beethoven in list B is very playable, but is probably a bit too demanding. The Mozart is nice too, but I think I'm going to go for the John Field piece. For list A, I really like the Madsen option (A2), and have made a start on the Prelude which I've got into quite well so far.
Car Expert
QUOTE(Car Expert @ Sep 17 2010, 06:11 AM)
I'm currently deciding what pieces to do for grade 8, and there's a good selection this time. My advice would be not to do B2 (John Field) and A3 (Schumann) together, or A1 (Bach) and B3 (Mozart), as they are very similar in style and it's better to have a varied programme.
I think I'm most certainly going to do the Brubeck jazz piece (C3) of course. I have to say it does sound very similar to the Charlie Wilson Blues (for those who were at the Woodford forum concert in 2006 will know what I'm talking about
).For the other pieces, I think I might go for the pieces that I like the best in terms of listening to. The Beethoven in list B is very playable, but is probably a bit too demanding. The Mozart has a horrible stretch of continuous semiquavers on the first page (E -> F#) which is quite tough for me, so I think I'm going to go for the John Field piece. For list A, I really like the Madsen option (A2), and have made a start on the Prelude which I've got into quite well so far.
Car Expert
I tried A2 too. For the Prelude, it becomes somewhat difficult to read around the middle, because of the irregular accidentals. The Fugue is definitely challanging as it is long, somewhat fast and with varied rhythm (compare to A3 fugue which I feel much less demanding). I have passed myself on A3, but still a long way for A2.
Hello , I'm taking the exams for grade 7 this year and there are only 2 weeks left before the examination 
I've been checking the pieces for grade 8 already and as Car Expert said, the selection is nicer this time and there are more pieces available for the section C
Anyway, there is still plenty of time to choose the right pieces .
I've been checking the pieces for grade 8 already and as Car Expert said, the selection is nicer this time and there are more pieces available for the section C
Anyway, there is still plenty of time to choose the right pieces .
QUOTE(clavicembalo @ Sep 16 2010, 04:17 PM)
QUOTE(alanchan1024 @ Sep 16 2010, 04:01 PM)
I am in the process of trying a number of those Grade 8 pieces now. For List A I got A3 first ready at a resonable standard (e.g. 25/30). A6 would be the last one I would attempt.
There seems to be a number of people choosing A8.
If the Scarlatti Sonata in B minor is the one that I think it is, then it is a favourite of many a pianist and I should think that it will become a popular choice.
I have already flagged-up the Madsen (A2) as being well worth investigating.
I'm a bit late coming into this thread as I have been tramping through the Wilder Kaiser mountains for a week... but I must say I love the Madsen. I am supposed to be doing the old syllabus for my grade 8 but I started "fiddling" about with this piece and I just love it. The prelude sounds beautiful and the fugue is fun.
I am also learning the Capriccio which is difficult and I wouldn't do in an exam.
I'd doing:
Prelude no.21 in Bb major - Bach
Au Lac de Wallenstadt - Liszt
Pathetique Sonata mvt III - Beethoven
Prelude no.21 in Bb major - Bach
Au Lac de Wallenstadt - Liszt
Pathetique Sonata mvt III - Beethoven
I've decided on Scarlatti F# minor, Beethoven pathetique and Brubeck. Had my first lesson last week so i've started learning them properly. I did another grade 8 in between so had to give up the piano for a bit
Is there a good place online to find suggested fingerings? I know it's personal but I'm finding the scarlatti hard to finger in places.
Is there a good place online to find suggested fingerings? I know it's personal but I'm finding the scarlatti hard to finger in places.
QUOTE(any @ Jan 19 2011, 04:30 PM)
Is there a good place online to find suggested fingerings? I know it's personal but I'm finding the scarlatti hard to finger in places.
Alanchan1024 has kindly uploaded some videos of the grade 8 exam pieces, so you might find some fingering ideas there.Thread: http://www.abrsm.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=43207
YouTube playlist: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=80AA18C63B1CE335
Car Expert
I adore the Schumann on the Grade 8 ABRSM piano syllabus, the Mozart and the Chopin and these would have been my choice should I decide to do ABRSM.
I have however, looked again at the Trinity syllabus for 2009-11 which includes the Mozart (which I have and already started to learn). Dr Gradus is a firm contender and as for the Bach prelude and fugue...I love it. This is a love affair indeed as I vowed as a fifteen year old never to look at anything with the name Bach after my grade 4 piano exam...I passed it but I will never forget the time or place when my piano teacher told my I had 'just passed' my grade 4 exam. Sorry, a bit off topic.
I have however, looked again at the Trinity syllabus for 2009-11 which includes the Mozart (which I have and already started to learn). Dr Gradus is a firm contender and as for the Bach prelude and fugue...I love it. This is a love affair indeed as I vowed as a fifteen year old never to look at anything with the name Bach after my grade 4 piano exam...I passed it but I will never forget the time or place when my piano teacher told my I had 'just passed' my grade 4 exam. Sorry, a bit off topic.
thank you Car Expert that's a great idea! And thank you Alan Chan!
QUOTE(any @ Jan 19 2011, 04:30 PM)
I've decided on Scarlatti F# minor
Yes it can be a bit difficult until you sort out which fingering suits you best
QUOTE(any @ Jan 19 2011, 04:30 PM)
Is there a good place online to find suggested fingerings? I know it's personal but I'm finding the scarlatti hard to finger in places.
I've just done this piece, and I agree that it's hard to finger. I think that the best thing you can do is to sit down and try out different fingerings until you find one that suits you. If that doesn't work, ask your teacher. They'll probably be slightly more experienced with sorting out the fingerings, and may even have played the piece themselves before. You might find, though, that you prefer different ones to your teacher.
Hope this helps.
Got the Scarlatti down now ! Thanks, sorry I just saw your comment, I have been busy practising and not in the forums
I have a question about the Brubeck - I can't make the stretches in the left hand (when its an octave plus a third)
In bar 12 it doesnt sound too bad to play them arpeggiated, but in bars 27, 32 - 36 and 39 it sounds weird. What are people's thoughts on missing out one of the notes?
I have a question about the Brubeck - I can't make the stretches in the left hand (when its an octave plus a third)
In bar 12 it doesnt sound too bad to play them arpeggiated, but in bars 27, 32 - 36 and 39 it sounds weird. What are people's thoughts on missing out one of the notes?
My list: Bach Capriccio
Beethoven finale Pathetique
Debussy Valse Romantique
I'm enjoying learning them. The teaching notes in the Peters edition, particularly about the Bach are really useful and with the exception of a few corners they are nearly there.
Even though the Bach and Beethoven are in the same key, they are very different, and the harmony in the Debussy is lush.
I wanted pieces I connected with musically and technically, and these fit the bill.
Beethoven finale Pathetique
Debussy Valse Romantique
I'm enjoying learning them. The teaching notes in the Peters edition, particularly about the Bach are really useful and with the exception of a few corners they are nearly there.
Even though the Bach and Beethoven are in the same key, they are very different, and the harmony in the Debussy is lush.
I wanted pieces I connected with musically and technically, and these fit the bill.
What is the problem?
A. Scarlatti
B. Haydn
C. Chopin
Marvellous!!!!
A. Scarlatti
B. Haydn
C. Chopin
Marvellous!!!!
QUOTE(Mad Tom @ May 25 2011, 03:54 PM)
What is the problem?
A. Scarlatti
B. Haydn
C. Chopin
Marvellous!!!!
Problem is it is a great set of pieces this year. I chose based on the ones I liked and I'm taking the exam. All I know is if and when I do a dip the Schubert Impromtu in Gb is in, and either Scarlatti or Bach and Albeniz Sevillia as own choice, as for anything else... got to get through grade 8 first!
Hey MadTom, I admire your choices, but the questions remain....
Which Scarlatti Sonata - there are two - F# Minor and B Minor
Which Haydn Sonata - there are two - C# Minor and E Flat
Decisions decisions...
I would choose
A5 Handel
B6 Haydn
C10 Liszt
Which Scarlatti Sonata - there are two - F# Minor and B Minor
Which Haydn Sonata - there are two - C# Minor and E Flat
Decisions decisions...
I would choose
A5 Handel
B6 Haydn
C10 Liszt
The Beethoven Rondo is killing me slowly...
but the Albeniz is lovely, and I've almost finished the Trygve Madsen fugue
but the Albeniz is lovely, and I've almost finished the Trygve Madsen fugue
Yes but.. does anyone know about missing out notes?
Should I email abrsm?
Should I email abrsm?
QUOTE(any @ May 26 2011, 10:36 AM)
Yes but.. does anyone know about missing out notes?
Should I email abrsm?
What sort of missing out notes?
If it's notes you can't reach because of the size of your hands then there's not really anything you can do but miss something out of a big chord.
There may be pieces for which this doesn't actually work as all notes are absolutely essential all of the time but I imagine that most of the time this isn't going to be the case.
QUOTE(any @ May 25 2011, 11:02 AM)
Got the Scarlatti down now ! Thanks, sorry I just saw your comment, I have been busy practising and not in the forums
I have a question about the Brubeck - I can't make the stretches in the left hand (when its an octave plus a third)
In bar 12 it doesnt sound too bad to play them arpeggiated, but in bars 27, 32 - 36 and 39 it sounds weird. What are people's thoughts on missing out one of the notes?
Does spreading the chord and covering with the pedal ruin the effect?
Do that where you can, is there anyway you can put the top note of the LH chord in the RH? (my other trick from the small handed pianists trick book) I chose pieces where this was not a problem.
Yes I should have done that , oops. But I really loved this one :/ and it's a bit late now.. Spreading them sounds bad even with the pedal and the RH is too far away to help
Should I just email AB and ask what they think?
hi everybody,
from the forum i manage to download from the U-Tube for G8 exam pieces. May i know is there anyway i could get the copy of the G8 pieces instead of buy the book. This is because i haven't staterd my Grade 8 piano yet. I would like to have a look on the pieces & play around in order for me to ready myself for G8.
from the forum i manage to download from the U-Tube for G8 exam pieces. May i know is there anyway i could get the copy of the G8 pieces instead of buy the book. This is because i haven't staterd my Grade 8 piano yet. I would like to have a look on the pieces & play around in order for me to ready myself for G8.
QUOTE(lps123 @ Jun 6 2011, 04:22 AM)
hi everybody,
from the forum i manage to download from the U-Tube for G8 exam pieces. May i know is there anyway i could get the copy of the G8 pieces instead of buy the book. This is because i haven't staterd my Grade 8 piano yet. I would like to have a look on the pieces & play around in order for me to ready myself for G8.
You can find many of the older pieces for free download on the ISMLP/Petrucci site:
http://imslp.org/wiki/Main_Page
I bought the Peters edition Grade 8 Pieces rather than the AB book, the first time I've made this decision. I have found the teaching notes in the back very useful. I know what it is like as a student to have little money for music and I do download, but there are times when it is pleasant to have it all in a book.
QUOTE(Mad Tom @ Jun 6 2011, 07:31 AM)
QUOTE(lps123 @ Jun 6 2011, 04:22 AM)
hi everybody,
from the forum i manage to download from the U-Tube for G8 exam pieces. May i know is there anyway i could get the copy of the G8 pieces instead of buy the book. This is because i haven't staterd my Grade 8 piano yet. I would like to have a look on the pieces & play around in order for me to ready myself for G8.
You can find many of the older pieces for free download on the ISMLP/Petrucci site:
http://imslp.org/wiki/Main_Page
Then you can buy whatever edition you prefer when you've chosen what you want to play instead of having the AB Selected pieces book.
QUOTE(any @ May 25 2011, 11:02 AM)
I have a question about the Brubeck - I can't make the stretches in the left hand (when its an octave plus a third)
In bar 12 it doesnt sound too bad to play them arpeggiated, but in bars 27, 32 - 36 and 39 it sounds weird. What are people's thoughts on missing out one of the notes?
For bars 27, 32 and 39, play the bottom note (G) first, then play the rest of the chord on the beat.In bar 12 it doesnt sound too bad to play them arpeggiated, but in bars 27, 32 - 36 and 39 it sounds weird. What are people's thoughts on missing out one of the notes?
For bars 33, 34, 35, the only way to get round that for it to sound right is to play the bottom note (C) on the previous semiquaver beat (the same time as the G) as there's not enough space in between the semiquaver at the end of the previous bar and the chord on the first beat of the next bar to spread the chord. Plus there's that crushed note to deal with as well on the first beat, which I would play with the thumb and then slide down to the D and E. Try to play the crushed note before the beat.
Car Expert
Hi Sbhoa, Jod & Mad Tom,
i will check the web site Many thanks
i will check the web site
Many thanksQUOTE(lps123 @ Jun 8 2011, 04:39 AM)
Hi Sbhoa, Jod & Mad Tom,
i will check the web site
Many thanksDo listen to performances and decide which pieces you can rule out immediately.
Then if there are other limitations (in my case hand-size) looking at music on-line before you buy is often a smart move.
The thing I use you-tube for is comparing performances and deciding what I like about them and more interestingly what I do not like about them. Then I try to accommodate as many of the features I like without falling into the traps that I did not like whilst still putting a bit of "me" in them.
Hi Jod,
Thanks for your advice.
I had checked the web site however i found that the score look like longer than the exam pieces score i.e 'Grade 8 A 1 A1 Bach BWV 826 Partita No.2 in C Minor Capriccio'. Is that the score from the web site is a full score if compare with the exam pieces?
Thanks for your advice.
I had checked the web site however i found that the score look like longer than the exam pieces score i.e 'Grade 8 A 1 A1 Bach BWV 826 Partita No.2 in C Minor Capriccio'. Is that the score from the web site is a full score if compare with the exam pieces?
Date of exam:14th July
Pieces:
Field is ok, but bars 88 to 94 are really difficult. I wished I chose the Beethoven. It's so wonderful to play, but very hard to perform.
Gershwin: I love it. However, the ending is odd. I don't know how to play it. Do I play it in the same style as the rest of the piece, or is it more a new idea?
Scales/arpeggios are quite ridiculous. But this does not compare with aural tests. tests 8A (cadences [imperfect in particular]. All these chord 1b, then chord 5a etc might be dominant sevenths....) and 8C modulation (supertonic minor Vs relative minor). My mind is going to implode in the exam.
Pieces:
- Bach: Capriccio
- Field: Allegro Moderato
- Gershwin: Novelette in Fourths
Field is ok, but bars 88 to 94 are really difficult. I wished I chose the Beethoven. It's so wonderful to play, but very hard to perform.
Gershwin: I love it. However, the ending is odd. I don't know how to play it. Do I play it in the same style as the rest of the piece, or is it more a new idea?
Scales/arpeggios are quite ridiculous. But this does not compare with aural tests. tests 8A (cadences [imperfect in particular]. All these chord 1b, then chord 5a etc might be dominant sevenths....) and 8C modulation (supertonic minor Vs relative minor). My mind is going to implode in the exam.
QUOTE(JamesK @ Jun 25 2011, 10:20 PM)
Date of exam:14th July
Pieces:
- Bach: Capriccio
- Field: Allegro Moderato
- Gershwin: Novelette in Fourths
Field is ok, but bars 88 to 94 are really difficult. I wished I chose the Beethoven. It's so wonderful to play, but very hard to perform.
Gershwin: I love it. However, the ending is odd. I don't know how to play it. Do I play it in the same style as the rest of the piece, or is it more a new idea?
Scales/arpeggios are quite ridiculous. But this does not compare with aural tests. tests 8A (cadences [imperfect in particular]. All these chord 1b, then chord 5a etc might be dominant sevenths....) and 8C modulation (supertonic minor Vs relative minor). My mind is going to implode in the exam.
Also doing the Field and the Gershwin (and the Bach P&F) - exam is in about a month, crisis!!!!!!!!
Good luck:-) I find it helps to slow down ever so slightly for the end, it is quite an odd conclusion to an otherwise fun piece - my main problem with it is the tempo...
Having failed. I'm listening to the Baremboim Beethoven masterclasses. The works may be different, but there are still things that can be learnt. This is a man whose recordings I've loved since a child. Listening to him talking about interpreting Beethoven is very interesting.
Still going to play the same pieces because I actually like them!
Main problem was nerves a disturbance that wrong-footed me and the voicing of a piano that I really could not stand.
Still going to play the same pieces because I actually like them!
Main problem was nerves a disturbance that wrong-footed me and the voicing of a piano that I really could not stand.
Yeah exam centre instruments really can be poor quality. We just have to overcome that and play the best we can. Unfortunately the world is filled with these instruments, and we may be asked to play them at any time. More effort should be put into their maintenance.
QUOTE(aesir22 @ Jul 13 2011, 08:43 PM)
Yeah exam centre instruments really can be poor quality. We just have to overcome that and play the best we can. Unfortunately the world is filled with these instruments, and we may be asked to play them at any time. More effort should be put into their maintenance.
Of course they should work properly (although I've played many duds over the years, better not to waste precious bars of music being cross or stuffy, but instead make it a challenge to sound as musical as you can!), the problem really is you cannot make all pianos uniformly 'perfect for everyone' as we all have different tastes and are used to different things regarding tone, touch, and even the height of the music stand and depth of the pedal. What is one persons nightmare may be someone elses dream piano. So us pianists need to incorporate the skills into our technique to be able to cope with this at whatever level we are at. Comes with the territory, but it's worth it to have an orchestra under your fingertips - something the other single-line instruments can't have!
QUOTE(miffy @ Jul 13 2011, 09:41 PM)
QUOTE(aesir22 @ Jul 13 2011, 08:43 PM)
Yeah exam centre instruments really can be poor quality. We just have to overcome that and play the best we can. Unfortunately the world is filled with these instruments, and we may be asked to play them at any time. More effort should be put into their maintenance.
Of course they should work properly (although I've played many duds over the years, better not to waste precious bars of music being cross or stuffy, but instead make it a challenge to sound as musical as you can!), the problem really is you cannot make all pianos uniformly 'perfect for everyone' as we all have different tastes and are used to different things regarding tone, touch, and even the height of the music stand and depth of the pedal. What is one persons nightmare may be someone elses dream piano. So us pianists need to incorporate the skills into our technique to be able to cope with this at whatever level we are at. Comes with the territory, but it's worth it to have an orchestra under your fingertips - something the other single-line instruments can't have!
Did trinity grade 8 last month... However if I chose from the abrsm list, personally I would go for:
One of the Scarlattis, Summin different can get into the mood for them after listening to Horowitz, plus I'm not brainy or mature enough for or indeed 'musically get on' with Bach.
Beethoven Pathetique rondo. Technically manageable and can be musically pulled off well. Also a nice way to paddle a little into the huge lake that is a Beethoven sonata.
Fazed by list C. Torn between Chopin (especially as B major was supposedly Chopin's favourite key, as the scale fits so nicely under the hands) and the Rachmaninov Melodie. I played the melody for my grade 8 and
ed it. Difficult to play musically and it does go on for a fair while but a hugely rewarding piece.
Beautiful list of pieces, shame about the scales
.
One of the Scarlattis, Summin different can get into the mood for them after listening to Horowitz, plus I'm not brainy or mature enough for or indeed 'musically get on' with Bach.
Beethoven Pathetique rondo. Technically manageable and can be musically pulled off well. Also a nice way to paddle a little into the huge lake that is a Beethoven sonata.
Fazed by list C. Torn between Chopin (especially as B major was supposedly Chopin's favourite key, as the scale fits so nicely under the hands) and the Rachmaninov Melodie. I played the melody for my grade 8 and
ed it. Difficult to play musically and it does go on for a fair while but a hugely rewarding piece.Beautiful list of pieces, shame about the scales
.
QUOTE(1993allende @ Jul 13 2011, 10:31 PM)
Beautiful list of pieces, shame about the scales
.Swap to violin - most of them are GONE!!!
QUOTE(miffy @ Jul 13 2011, 10:43 PM)
QUOTE(1993allende @ Jul 13 2011, 10:31 PM)
Beautiful list of pieces, shame about the scales
.Swap to violin - most of them are GONE!!!
It's strange how inconsistent scale requirements are
Trinity piano grade 8 scales are the boy. All majors/minors on f sharp, b and e flat, b major/minor in thirds hands separately and some arpeggios. Comparing that to abrsm scales is like comparing The Very Hungary Caterpillar to a moderately substantial bit of Tolstoy.
Strangely there is not the same difference with clarinet.
QUOTE(1993allende @ Jul 13 2011, 11:37 PM)
QUOTE(miffy @ Jul 13 2011, 10:43 PM)
QUOTE(1993allende @ Jul 13 2011, 10:31 PM)
Beautiful list of pieces, shame about the scales
.Swap to violin - most of them are GONE!!!
It's strange how inconsistent scale requirements are
Trinity piano grade 8 scales are the boy. All majors/minors on f sharp, b and e flat, b major/minor in thirds hands separately and some arpeggios. Comparing that to abrsm scales is like comparing The Very Hungary Caterpillar to a moderately substantial bit of Tolstoy.
Strangely there is not the same difference with clarinet.
I know it's easy for me to say as exam-wise my scales are long gone, but I do think that on any instrument at gd8 you should be prepared to be able to play any scale in any key.
And I've been very surprised at how many of my pupils think the same (although getting them to actually DO them may be a different matter
)
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.