Hey friends!

Those of you who’ve been following me for a while know that I took my RCM Grade 10 exam a while back, and got a pretty brutal mark. I’m finally getting back into the swing of things and I’m aiming to re-do the exam in January 2020 – about half a year from now.

Luckily, I only need to re-do the repertoire portion of the exam. Below are the pieces I’ll be working on for the exam. Wish me luck and stay tuned!

List A (Baroque)

Bach’s WTC #13: Prelude and Fugue in F# Major

I chose a piece with a key signature of six sharps because I hate myself (obviously). It’s a pretty little set though. Definitely the hardest of the bunch.


look inside		 The Well-Tempered Clavier – Book I, BWV 846-869
Das Wohltemperierte Klavier – Urtext edition. Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). Edited by Ernst-Gunter Heinemann. Sheet Music. Paperbound. Henle Music Folios. ABRSM syllabus Grade: 8. Baroque. Collection (paper bound). With standard notation, fingerings, introductory text, performance notes and thematic index (does not include words to the songs). G. Henle #HN14. Published by G. Henle (HL.51480014).

2. List B (Classical)

Beethoven Sonata no. 5 in C minor

My piano teacher suggested this sonata to me, and I’m having a lot of fun with it so far.


look inside		 Piano Sonatas – Book I
Klaviersonaten. Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827). Edited by Bertha Antonia Wallner. Sheet Music. Paperbound. Urtext Editions. ABRSM syllabus Grade: 6.8. Classical Period. Collection (softcover). With standard notation, fingerings, introductory text and thematic index (does not include words to the songs). 286 pages. G. Henle #HN32. Published by G. Henle (HL.51480032).

List C: Romantic

Tchaikovsky’s November

I’ve already learned this piece, so it’s really just a matter of re-learning it and doing it better. I love Tchaikovsky and I’m happy to be taking a break from Liszt, who I slaved over in my original grade 10 exam.


look inside		 Tchaikovsky — The Seasons
Composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893). Edited by Maurice Hinson. Masterworks; Piano Collection. Alfred Masterwork Edition. Masterwork; Romantic. Book. 64 pages. Alfred Music #00-4826. Published by Alfred Music (AP.4826).

List D: Early 20th Century

Amy Beach: Barcarolle op. 28 no. 1

I thought it would be cool to step outside the Debussy box and learn a composition by a female (American) composer. Haven’t even started this one yet, but I’m excited to!


look inside		 Piano Music of Amy Beach
Composed by Amy Marcy Beach (1867-1944). Edited by Gail Smith. Classical. 88 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.121629).

List E: Modern

Pierre Gallant: Variations on Land of the Silver Birch

My husband demanded that I play this one for my grade 10 exam again – it was his favorite from my original set. It’s also based on a Canadian folk tune, so that’s cool too. Excited to re-learn this one. It was the only piece from my original exam I actually got a good mark on, so I decided to keep it.


look inside		 Piano Repertoire 10
Celebration Series. Composed by The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program. This edition: 2015 edition. Celebration Series. The Piano Repertoire books provide a representative collection of pieces from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and contemporary style periods. These volumes are the ultimate resource for examinations, recitals, festivals, competitions, auditions, and per. Book. 172 pages. Published by The Frederick Harris Music Company (FH.C5R10).

Conclusion

I might do a few updates as to my progress with these pieces if I feel there’s anything you’ll find useful. Stay tuned and see you next week!

-Allysia

Posted in RCM/ABRSM Exams