Janacek, Leos (1854-1928, former Czechoslovakia) - In the Mists (1912). Another very interesting work by him is the Suite 1922. A possible parallel to Bach's WTC, despite the fact that finding parallels to the WTC is always dangerous. This particular piece is a masterwork of mid-century piano music, and it's unbelievable that is not very played and known. Sometimes seems tonal, and suddenly: no tonality at all. It's very difficult to write about his music, 'cause anything you read about it is deceptive: you should hear to understand the tricks of Herr Paul. By the way, 'La Cathedrale engloutie' is a very good idea for any one who is wondering about a major modern piece.įaure, Gabriel (1845-1924, France) - Just a remark: despite the fact he have several pieces composed into the 20th century, the available pieces are all from the past one: 1881, 1883 & 1894. Oh, well.what can I say about him? One of the pillars of 20th century music in general, and the composer of one of the most magnificent sets of all times, the Preludes. I just wonder why there is no Cowell music in the program.ĭebussy, Claude (1862-1918, France) - La plus que lente (1910), Preludes (1910-13), Suite Pour le Piano (1901).

His masterpiece is his Sonata, although it's a bit hard for this exam. One of the genious of early 20th century north-american music, that have coined revolutions in musical language, particularly in harmony and rhythm, apart and distinct from the european developments. His language in general is a very extended tonality, full of what I can just describe as 'British flavor'.Ĭopland, Aaron (1900-1990, USA) - Scherzo (1920). His output of piano music is large as well as obscure, but plenty of surprises. One of the most melodious composers I've ever heard, some kind of Mozart or Chopin of the 20th century in this specific trend. His music near always deals with nationalistic inspirations.īerkeley, Sir Lennox (1903-1989, England) - Concert Study (1955). For more Bartok, I would suggest the 14 Bagatelles, the Out of Doors Suite or the Sonatina. In my humble opinion, what makes it most difficult is the general unawareness of students about 20th century music, 'cause I can't figure another reason to it stands in a Dip program. It goes from the absolutely begginer to intermediate-advanced pieces such as those. A fabulous didactical work by the hungarian composer, and maybe one of the most musically accomplished attempts of that kind in any times. Any further information needed, let me know: I'll be very glad to help if possible.īartok, Bela (1881-1945, Hungary) - Mikrokosmos 148 - 153 (late 1930's). As a general rule, is by far more difficult to read any of these pieces than reading Classical or Romantic repertory of the same level, even more if the student is not acquainted with modern and contemporary music (not only piano, but orchestral and chamber works, opera, etc). I've made no comments on technique 'cause the pieces are very dissimilar and because it depends very much on the student and his/her musical skills, especially sight-seeing, harmony and perception. I know there are a lot of very personal insights, and my written english is poor, but maybe it can help a bit. I took the Repertoire Lists of DipABRSM to make some brief comments over (most of) the 20th pieces and its composers. One of my students tackling Beethoven C minor variations having trouble playing through the whole piece without stopping!!!Īnyway, here's another program suggestion:īy the way, could someone enlighten us about the 20th century pieces in the syllabus, for example, diana burrell constellations, Berkeley concert study, janacek, john mccabe? how are these pieces, their standards and musicality? The LRSM syllabus is slightly more balanced in standard, whether technical or musical. But i do feel that the majority of piano students will already struggle to put up a 35 min program.Īnd i do agree very much with pianowelsh about the wide range of standards for the DipABRSM repertoire. Of course if you are a fast learner, you can afford to learn extra pieces. Thanks for the suggestion, franzliszt2! that's a decent program.

Dipabrsm repertoire list