High School Graduation performance
I'm looking for a good unaccompanied piece to perform at my high school graduation. I know Bach is the obvious answer, but I was looking for something a little bit more exciting for the average high school listener who isn't exactly a classical music aficionado. I've played the cadenza of hte Shostakovich concerto at another school function deal and I got a huge reaction for it. I know people would like it, but as you're probably thinking, its not the most appropriate piece for graduation, being that it is supposed to be a joyous day and the Shosti is anything but joyous. So, if anyone has any other ideas of a piece that I could perform without too much work, that would be greatly appreciated. Also, if you think the Shostakovich is fine, please speak up! Thanks!
Replies (14)
Haha, I played a portion of the Ballade (skipped the slow part...most people wouldn't understand it at the graduation) for my High School grad. The place erupted.
Preston
Even though the vitali chaconne isn't techinically unaccompanied, I think it would sound fine without piano and it's so geougeous. I don't knwo how non musicians would feel about it though.
Thanks for your messages. Erica and Preston, I thought about the Ysaye, but I'm working really hard on other rep. for my senior recital, and I don't think I have time to learn such a technically demanding work in time.
then play ernst...haha
Prokofiev solo sonata would be great--it's probably not as much work as learning the Ysaye either...
Well, I know it's cliched, but a movement or two of (well-played!) solo Bach is never boring.
You could also consider doing some lesser known Baroque unaccompanied music-- Biber, for example. The Prokofiev solo sonata sounds like a good idea.
I've never heard hte Prokofiev, and though I'm sure its great, I wonder about how accessible it would be. Does anyone see a huge problem with the Shostakovich? Thanks again for your responses!
someone i knew last year played "meditation from thais" with a harpist for her graduation- it was a big hit...
Play Hora Staccato! If the down bow staccato seems a bit much, then go with sautille, which renders it a rather easy, whimsical, Gypsy-style fiddle piece. A real show stopper, and the kids'll love it!
Take your school song and harmonize it with double stops and stick it in the middle of some Paganini.
I would say to play the Prokofiev Solo Violin Sonata. It's not hard, but if you play it with a LOT of energy and passion, it can be VERY impressive!!
I love Jim's idea of taking your school song.. harmonizing... and putting it in the middle of.... of ANYTHING that you are comfortable playing. Something that you can play happily and confidently. What a great idea! I may use that idea myself sometime! Let us know what you've decided!
Katie
Jim, I love your idea, except either my high school doesn't have a song, or nobody ever has heard it. Its a public school, but we are a little uppity about that kind of stuff, like we don't have a marching band etc. But your idea is really great, I just wish we had a school song everyone would recognize. The Prokofiev is a nice idea except that its a little bit long, and about Hora Staccato, I was thinking of these fun showpieces, but they tend to lose a lot without the piano plugging away at 8th notes which I won't have the luxury of using. If preston played the Ysaye, another piece that ain't exactly happy, and got a huge reaction, I still think the Shosti would be alright, but I'd be glad for someone to change my mind! Thanks again!
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April 16, 2005 at 05:21 PM · ysaye ballade...high school kids would love that...haha