Hi, I'm planning to take LRSM soon. My programme is as follows:

1. Bach - Partita no. 2 in C minor (complete)
2. Beethoven - Sonata op. 81a "Les Adieux"
3. Brahms - Rhapsody op. 79 no. 1

Do you all think this is enough or should I add a contemporary piece?

Also could I ask tips from those who have already taken the LRSM exams, especially in the viva voce section, and the programme notes. Your inputs would be highly appreciated.

Hi Jovy, looks like no one replied to you. I guess your porgramme would be acceptable, though it probbaly would be preferable at LRSM to squeeze in 4 pieces, so that a 20th C piece could be included.
I thought about doing LRSm a whil ago, but at nearly 65 yrs decided it wouldnt relly serve any useful purpose other than personal satisfaction. I was thinking about the F# Minor P & F from Book 2, Beethoven Op31 No2 (Tempest), a romatic piece (not sure what) and a Shostakovich P & F.

There is no need at LRSM to play music from more than two periods, and three substantial pieces are definitely acceptable.

It looks a good programme to me, if a bit safe (in the sense that you have gone for well-known repertoire). It might be worth considering something a little more unusual, as examiners tend to appreciate a change.

Hi
Yes it just states at least two distinct periods. andante_in_c is right in saying that the examiners like something more unusual so perhaps you could think of something that might fit the bill even if short. Sorry can't help much more than that as I don't profess to know much of the piano rep these days. Good luck.

I agree with a fudge of almost all that everyone has said.

Yes LRSM only needs 2 periods of music
Yes 4 pieces would be better than three, although three substantial pieces are acceptable.

Can you think of a short piece of a similar standard and style to make your programme complete?

It does not have to be contemporary. Maybe a minature by Brahms or Liszt or a piece of Mendelssohn or Schumann?

It does not have to be on the syllabus as it can be your own choice.

The only syllabus piece I can think of to complete this programme would be one of the Chopin Ballades maybe the 1st one in g minor.

However in the end the choice is yours. These are all wonderful pieces of music. Good luck with your preparation.

I think something short from the 20th century could improve your programme, not because you need 4 pieces (3 substantial should be enough), but because I personally think a programme of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms is too safe/boring... I wouldn't add anything romantic since you already have Brahms, unless it provides significant contrast (a pair of Chopin etudes might be okay, for example). Perhaps something French? The Ravel Toccata or any movement from the Debussy sets/L'Isle Joyeuse would be nice. You could also consider a shorter movement from Iberia (by Albeniz), though those are quite tricky and often harder than they sound. That being said, it certainly fulfills the requirements (though I haven't considered timings) and if you can play convincingly I daresay it won't matter

Thanks for your reply guys! My concern is that the time for the three pieces would already be approximately 43 minutes so is there another 20th piece that will fit? I now realize that my program might truly be a bit boring....