SELECTED REPERTOIRE REPRESENTATIVE OF REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITIONS

Abstract

In International Piano Competitions, juries judge the individual artistic and technical skills of the competing pianists through certain repertoire. The particular repertoire should be chosen carefully to showcase the pianist's musical and technical abilities. This dissertation focuses on my exploration of some of the most demanding repertoire which can be performed in piano competitions. In my opinion, competitions challenge pianists to test their potential and completeness as a performer in a short period of time. Additionally, performers need stamina in order to survive the intensity of competitions. I think competitions have helped me overcome distractions because I had to study and practice certain pieces within the time limits of whichever competition I entered. As a result, I feel that I learned patience and endurance which are necessary to become a complete pianist. In my experience, advantages and disadvantages coexist in competitions. With a limited repertoire, one can reach virtuosic levels of performance in both the musical and technical aspects of any work. However, the chances of approaching other repertoire not effective in competitions, is minimized while preparing the necessary repertoire. In major competitions, there are common required pieces such as Preludes and Fugues by Bach, Chopin Etudes, sonatas by classical composers, major romantic pieces, twentieth- century works and, of course, concerti. Additionally, n many major international competitions, chamber music (piano trios, quartets, or quintets) is required in order to test the pianist's ensemble ability with other instruments. This dissertation comprises three recitals that showcase my selected competition repertoire. They took place on May 2, November 2, both in Gildenhorn Recital Hall in the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center and November 10, 2005 in Ulrich Recital Hall at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland. Recordings of these recitals may be obtained in person or online from the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library of the University of Maryland, College Park.