Ive got some piano recitials coming up at uni (well not till december) im starting to plan my set. Ive got to do a performance which shows diversity but seemingly playing romantic/baroque/impressionism is all classed as 'classical' so after my last recitial i showed now diversity at all.

I'm looking for some 'blow away' pieces that will really show off technique ability and flare. around grade 6/7 standard but pushing more for grade 7 would be best.

any suggestions?


Thanks in advance

andrew

As this is at least your second recital at university, I'm assuming you're talking about some other grade system, not ABRSM?

For recital ideas you could take a look at the DipABRSM syllabus which has masses of pieces that should be about the right standard for the middle of a degree course.

Edit: I've just noticed your signature; obviously they are ABRSM grades (in which case I'm a bit confused as to why you're not performing on either your first or second instruments). Anyway, how about the Dichler Toccata-Etude which is Grade 7 but sounds very flashy.

It's a really longgggggg story, put it this way i'm regretting doing my degree at the institution where i'm enrolled but i've only have a year left so i'm going to complete and hopefuly do an MA at a better establishment

Thanks though!

Andrew, where are you studying?

i don't know about your grade system, but i would suggest you play something by liszt (because it's his anniversary ^^). it doesn't have to be a complete cycle, but maybe a few etudes like: la leggierezza, gnomenreigen, paysage, eroica or harmonies du soir (these are the less difficult ones).

if i were you, i'd also play one complete piano cycle or sonata. maybe something like:
schubert - sonata op. 42 (d.845) in a minor
mozart - sonata n?18 (k576) in d major
chopin - preludes op. 28
tchaikowsky - the seasons op. 37
ravel - la valse

as for blow-away pieces:
- chopin preludes op. 28, n?16 and n?24 are definitely very flashy, but very difficult
- liszt transcendental etude n?7 (eroica) is very flashy and not thaat difficult if you're good at octaves
(if that one seems too easy for you, try n?10 in f minor)
- there are always chopin etudes that are flashy
- debussy "l'isle joyeuse" for impressionism

it would actually really help if you could post a small list of the most technically demanding pieces that you have played so far, in order to give bette advice/suggestions. c:

Hi Andrew! I'm not sure this is a 'blow away' piece but it's very catchy and technically challenging (not for you of course!). I played this for my grade 6- rumba tocatta by Paul Harvey. Hope this was helpful

Chopin op.64 no.2 waltz in c scharp minor

Beethoven op.2 no.1 1st or 2nd movement

Arnold 'The Buccaneer'

Hi Andrew! I'm not sure this is a 'blow away' piece but it's very catchy and technically challenging (not for you of course!). I played this for my grade 6- rumba tocatta by Paul Harvey. Hope this was helpful
[/quote]

Yes that's a good one, and the Grade 7 (AB) Kabalevsky Presto can be exciting at a good lick!