| S learned something that might be useful for next year's violin auditioners or anyone finishing this year.
At least in the year he auditioned, the schools he auditioned for had varying requirements regarding Bach movements and Paganini (or other etude) offerings. Some wanted 2 movements and etudes, some only one. S had two movements and two caprices prepared to cover all requirements.
He began with his concerto (this was his pick for his most comfortable work.) Then, the auditioners would generally say something like "Let's hear some Bach." If the school required both movements, they usually heard some of both. If they only required one movement, however, S would say, "I'll play the fugue" which gave him the opportunity to play the movement he thought showed to best advantage. He did the same with Paganini when asked for that - he had two prepared and he selected the caprice he felt best with (interestingly, this varied by day!), announcing it briefly before he played. No school asked to hear more than one caprice.
It was a small thing and not possible at all auditions, but I think it felt like it gave him a bit of control. |