The Wild Ewt of the Plains of Canada ([personal profile] ewt) wrote2003-07-25 09:24 pm

About bloody time, too!

I finally got a letter from RCM confirming that they have deferred my BMus place until September 2004.

I was starting to get quite worried about it and fret far too much, despite having spoken to them on the telephone numerous (why is this word not 'numberous' instead? anyone?) times. I'm really quite relieved to have it in writing now.

I have to give them £75 before 4th October. Audition will be in the first two weeks of December.

I have no idea what to play for my audition - should I play the same stuff or different stuff? *foncused*. I am quite tempted to play the same stuff because I know I can play it better than I did at the audition in February... but I am also tempted by Hindemith E-flat... but as it really does place an awful lot of strain on the pianist as well I'm not sure it is suitable. It is not a horn solo as much as a duet between horn and piano.

I suppose I will still have to play a first movement of a Mozart horn concerto, although I don't know which one they will require, but I do need a contrasting piece, not too long, fairly flashy. Last year I played Scherzo Concertante by Vaclav Nelhybel.

I guess I'll have to give them a ring this week and find out what they want...

I should ring my horn teacher as well and let him know I want to start lessons again in October, and ask him what to play.

[identity profile] arkady.livejournal.com 2003-07-25 03:13 pm (UTC)(link)
Make it something you enjoy playing. If it's a piece you love to play, your enjoyment and enthusiasm will carry through into the piece. (That's a piece of advice I picked up from Sava, who went through this himself in his own time.)

congrats!

[identity profile] spiralflames.livejournal.com 2003-07-25 03:15 pm (UTC)(link)
my take on it..go for the hindemith. but call the college and find a pianist, pay him or her, rehearse it. it'll be worth your while. you're right not to go in cold expecting someone to read it, or worse, do it unaccompanied. there are only so many REALLY important auditions on the planet..this is one of them. you have time..get a good pianist.
and congrats again!

Re: congrats!

[identity profile] phelyan.livejournal.com 2003-07-26 02:27 am (UTC)(link)
I agree. It's a fantastic piece. Maybe you can find a pianist willing to do it for the challenge, rather than the money. ;)

Re: congrats!

[identity profile] spiralflames.livejournal.com 2003-07-26 09:34 pm (UTC)(link)
allo phelyan..i don't even know you, and you've pushed as MAJOR button here...ummmm the 'challenge' to a professional is getting appreciated for his or her services by getting paid what they're worth. there are few professions other than the arts where people say this. 'oh, wouldn't you be able to find a surgeon who'd do a heart transplant on your mother for the experience rather than the money?'...when i'm planning an audition that could literally change aspects of my future, i don't want a pianist who's looking for experience- i want the best one. experience is for later, over a few beers, and just for fun.

Re: congrats!

[identity profile] ksta.livejournal.com 2003-07-27 08:31 am (UTC)(link)
Quite. especially since, if I played the piano part, it would certainly be an 'experience' for all concerned.

[identity profile] ex-purplekaz150.livejournal.com 2003-07-26 05:54 am (UTC)(link)
Hindemith - what a scary man! He's a bit of a clever clogs when it comes to chord progression, so that's sure to impress everyone!

[identity profile] horngirl.livejournal.com 2003-07-26 11:32 pm (UTC)(link)
I've played that Hindemith Sonata, and while I love it to bits, I'm not sure that it's neccesarily the best thing to show off all your capabilities. It was written for tenor norn, after all. And you'll want someone who really likes you to play the piano part ;-)

As for showy pieces, I've always like En Foret by Bozza. That's my party piece ;-)

[identity profile] ksta.livejournal.com 2003-07-27 08:30 am (UTC)(link)
I hereby relinquish any desires to play the piano part, having seenit.

[identity profile] horngirl.livejournal.com 2003-07-28 02:59 am (UTC)(link)
All the Hindemith piano parts are like that. Apparently the worst one is the Sonata for Tuba and piano. There's a pianist in Australia who just about makes a living from playing that sonata. Having page turned for just about every one of the brass sonatas, I know how difficult they are.

[identity profile] ksta.livejournal.com 2003-07-27 08:30 am (UTC)(link)
erm , why do you have to audition again?