by Goldberg » 12 Apr 2005, 23:21
I really hate to be offensive, so please take this as kindly as possible: if you do not know what Bach's P&F's are, I really don't think you're ready to compete in such a serious competition. You have to appreciate the level of experience of those around you will be. I've been to lesser competitions before (only two, but still...) and haven't really done well at either one--I can only *imagine* what it would be like at a national competition sponsored by Oberlin, even though it's not the most prestigious one out there. I would recommend getting in touch with a teacher who has "connections" in your area and trying to find some smaller competitions.
Yes, I know that was your original plan, posted in another thread, but my revised advice for you with regards to that topic is to go to local piano stores, sheet music stores, whatever, and find out who's who and what's what as far as local competitions are. Have you done that yet? I really think it would be wise.
Go ahead, though, and send off the tape and see what happens. I won't try to completely discourage you, and expect you to take my word alone. In fact, it would be better if you tried it personally to see the competition atmosphere for yourself--it isn't all that great, you know. In fact, I usually despise competitions myself...I'd rather play recitals. I think I said that already..
A P&F is a "Prelude and Fugue" from Bach's Well Tempered Klavier (WTK or WTC). You've no doubt heard of those, but what I meant by my first comment is that if you haven't played any at all and aren't familiar enough to recognise the abbreviation, I can take that as a loose sign that perhaps this competition is a little too intense for your repertoire. How old are you? If you're under 18, there's always next year.
Besides, you can't play a concerto movement in this competition. I'm quite sure it's supposed to be all solo, and you *have* to play for at least 40 minutes if you want to even be considered at all. The Fantasy in D minor is fine, if you want to do it; replace the Two Part Invention with that, and find a Bach P&F!
Just remember, playing in competitions doesn't make you a good pianist. It just makes you an experienced and, if you win, credible pianist (although in my experiences competition pianists are typically dull and standard). It's true that a lot of famous pianists broke into the recital circuits from winning big competitions, but it's also true that many did no such thing. If you really have true talent, you don't have to rely on competitions to succeed as an artist.
Your pieces are good pieces, all of them, but not entirely the material you need to fight at Oberlin.
One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art.
-Oscar Wilde
You know, some people just have natural talents-like some people play the piano but aren't very tall.
-Noodle pirate