8 replies to this topic

[Dreamaurora]

So, I managed to pass my LRSM a few months ago and I will go on to attempt FRSM Performance exam next year.

 

I have decided to go for an all Beethoven program, focusing on his Theme and Variations. The centrepiece will be the Eroica Variations, the rest of the pieces can be free choice. But the other accompanying pieces I am still undecided. So, currently these are the few I have came up with.

 

Program A: 1st movt of Op 26, Eroica, 3rd movt of Op 109
Program B: 2nd movt of Op 111, Eroica
Program C: 6 Variations Op 34, Eroica, 3rd movt of Op 109

 

I am leaning towards Program A as the program covers all 3 periods of Beethoven's music. But would like some opinion which would be the most suitable for FRSM. 

[fsharpminor]

My personal view would be that if possible 'F' level, a complete sonata should be offered, but I am not aware of the timing of the Eroica variations, so what time would be left. I suppose in Programme A you have two sonata movements with the variations, but I'd do two movements from the same Sonata. Also I know you are allowed to 'specialise' at that level but do you really think playing all one composer is a good idea ?

[Dreamaurora]

Yes, I do agree that at FRSM a large-scale work has to be offered, hence the Eroica, which will take around 25 minutes to perform. According to the syllabus, it is recommended to actually focus on a stylistic period or a composer. And from my conversation with a couple pianists who studied in Royal Colleges, at the graduate level, normally they will do specialised study on one composer, and single composer recital programs are quite common there. 

[Wai Kit Leung]

I passed my FRSM in 2003 playing a programme covering three distinct periods. I believe the specialist recommendation came in the 2005 syllabus revision. I know someone who passed FRSM piano performing with an all-Liszt programme, so there is certainly precedence.

[Dreamaurora]

The general approach of most teachers I spoke is to program two large scale works of around 20-25 minutes each for FRSM or FTCL e.g. Beethoven's Waldstein coupled with Hindemith's Sonata No 3. There are some works however that are so draining to play that if they are programmed they should be accompanied by pieces that are quite a bit more easier, and Eroica is apparently one of them.

 

I have wanted to do Eroica for a long time but teachers cautioned me that it is really one of the more difficult ones in the FRSM list; one even said it is equivalent in difficulty to Hammerklavier. I have been working through it for the past 2 weeks and I had gotten to Variation 10. I am trying to memorise and play the variations up to speed and I could see why; the variations are really jumpy and quite tricky to play one after another. Definitely a good workout for the arms. But so far by virtue of creative fingering, a lot of the technical difficulties can be simplified. For example the notorious a tre and a quattre sections at the start are so much easier to play if the notes are redistributed freely between the hands. I actually find Eroica physically more comfortable to play as compared to the Schubert's D 784 I did for my LRSM few months back. 

[mrbouffant]

I have no specific insights to offer, but just wanted to wish you all the best. I did FRSM organ in 2006 and my programme covered a number of different periods (Baroque, Romantic, Neo-classical).

[Dreamaurora]

I have no specific insights to offer, but just wanted to wish you all the best. I did FRSM organ in 2006 and my programme covered a number of different periods (Baroque, Romantic, Neo-classical).

 

Thank you, Mrbouffant. It is an exciting journey that I have always wanted to partake in a long time. And it is also a personal goal of mine to prove that adult starters can eventually make it to FRSM level (I started as pure piano beginner at the age 17 years old without any previous instrumental experience). 

[mel2]

I have no specific insights to offer, but just wanted to wish you all the best. I did FRSM organ in 2006 and my programme covered a number of different periods (Baroque, Romantic, Neo-classical).

 
Thank you, Mrbouffant. It is an exciting journey that I have always wanted to partake in a long time. And it is also a personal goal of mine to prove that adult starters can eventually make it to FRSM level (I started as pure piano beginner at the age 17 years old without any previous instrumental experience).

What an inspiring story.
Good luck with the FRSM project; LRSM is pretty good too, so I'm sure you will succeed. I must tell my 16 year old pupil about your progress.

[Dreamaurora]

Thanks. In my city, the known FRSM holders passed it when they were around not older than early 20. There was a 16 year old boy who passed it many years back. It is really quite rare for adults to attempt any of the ABRSM Dips because I guess it's really hard to juggle adult commitments and practicing. I have to teach 25-30 hours per week, maintain a fitness regime, and spend time with my family. And practice on top of that. But I think it's doable.