Middle School Exam! finiiiiiiiished!

Member

Posts: 12
City: milano

July 8, 2011, 09:27

Hi everyone!!

I had mentioned that on Wednesday and Thursday I had the tour de force of the eighth piano exam!! Besides, I had a very tough commission, including an external examiner who was none other than Andrea Padova (for those who don't know who he is, search on Google and open his website...)

Well, I finally finished!! I think I lost two kilos and I slept seven hours at most in two days but...

I did it!!! GRADUATED WITH A GRADE (average of the 10 tests) OF 9.20!!!!

I followed Paolo's advice about trying to make beautiful music and to move people instead of just demonstrating pure and simple technical virtuosity, and it was very appreciated! Unfortunately, during the oral exam they didn't ask me anything regarding piano mechanics (at one point they asked me questions about the discographies of certain mid-twentieth century pianists... 😆), but the fact remains that I have always wanted to know my instrument better and so, beyond the exam, your lessons have enriched me greatly!

Now I know it's a bit early, but I'm already starting to think about some pieces to bring for the diploma and so: BRING ON THE SUGGESTIONS PEOPLE!! 😆 From friends and acquaintances I have received advice like: "play Debussy's Estampes, they are wonderful!" or "I would do a Prokofiev concert, like the second one which is stunning!". I must say that I love this kind of suggestion because, regardless of whether I choose to perform the piece or not, I have come to know so many beautiful and moving pieces that I might otherwise never have heard! (and anyway, I'll always give them a little critique if I liked them!!)

In this regard, personally, I had thought of performing a Bach-Busoni (I still have to decide which one) because they are masterpieces, perhaps something by Chopin, because he is one of my favorite authors, and maybe something by Liszt (my highest goal would be the reminiscence sur la norme di Bellini , which is of deadly difficulty, or the more approachable Fantasia sul Rigoletto...)

Well, anyway, tell me what you think based on feeling!!

Hi everyone!!

Giacomo

PS regarding the reminiscence sur la norme di Bellini, for those who have never heard it, search on YouTube for ALFRED BRENDEL'S performance, which is the only decent one in circulation (the absolute best version is being added to the repertoire by a young emerging pianist named GIUSEPPE ALBANESE, if you happen to have the luck, you should absolutely go listen to him). Greetings again and a hug to everyone!!

Thesimon

Administrator

Posts: 4,504
City: Ariccia, RM

July 8, 2011, 11:50

Very well done, my dearest and most sincere compliments!! Regarding the diploma, it depends on how much time you have to prepare it... By the way, are you an internal student or a private candidate? Because if you are a private candidate, your last chance is in September...

Debussy's Estampes are beautiful, but difficult to do in 2 months...

With Chopin you can go wild; I will perform Ballade No. 4 in F minor, but many things can be performed, including the Nocturnes and Mazurkas.

For Bellini, it also depends a lot on how much time you have to prepare it. If you are an internal student, you can even take 2 years, but if you are a private candidate, you can go until September. The program therefore depends heavily on the time you have available...

braket

Member

Posts: 12
City: milano

July 8, 2011, 21:20

Hi Simone!

thanks so much for the compliments!! no no anyway I am local, I study at the Conservatory of Piacenza because until I reached adulthood I lived there and therefore I had enrolled there! And even now that I have to deal with the hassle of going back and forth from Milan, I stayed there anyway because I feel too good with my teacher!

pianoexpert

Moderator

Posts: 3,876
City: rocca di papa

July 10, 2011, 01:12

Congratulations Giacomo!!!!! I am for the Estampes, if you feel you possess the right touch!!! Otherwise, I love Prokofiev's second sonata. Bach-Busoni, I like the toccata and fugue in D major. The Chaconne (I am not sure if it is in the program...) and then (depending on the time) venture into Chopin's wonderful sonata in B minor!!!!!!!

In short, an important diploma is expected from you. Get to work!!!!!!! Good luck!!!!