Music Supplement- does it have to be unaccompanied?

Stupefy · 10-23-2009, 06:11 PM

to be specific: I am a pianist. when pianists play piano concertos, they are accompanied by another pianist. would it be ok to submit a concerto in which the orchestra part is played by my teacher on piano?

wjb · 10-23-2009, 06:16 PM

It's not a good idea, because it forces the listener to distinguish between the soloist and the person playing the secondi, something that is difficult at best. Also, unless the rules have changed, Yale has a strict limit on the length of pianists' submissions. In the past the requirement has been two pieces from contrasting periods, 10 minutes max. That would rule out even one movement of a concerto. You should check the website or contact the Department of Music to verify the rules on repertoire.

violadad · 10-23-2009, 06:24 PM

wjb gave you excellent advice. In the absence of specific instructions on the website call and speak to an admissions counselor familiar with the music supplement submission requirements. If you have alternate unaccompanied rep of high level you can substitute (if I recall, there are no named pieces required by Yale) provided it will showcase your talents effectively.

Stupefy · 10-24-2009, 09:43 AM

thanks for the advice guys. Yeah as of now, the website doesnt specifically say not to submit accompanied concertos, nor does it give a time limit :/ I think I'l substitute with something else

wjb · 10-24-2009, 10:28 AM

Stupefy: Substitution is a good idea, but you should find more about what you need to include. Just because the requirements are not posted on the website doesn't mean there aren't any. Please phone the Department of Music to find out exactly what they want. They're really nice and helpful.

Stupefy · 10-24-2009, 11:07 AM

^are there really unspecified requirements? I'm not planning on music majoring. but I will try to contact them. thanks!

Stupefy · 10-24-2009, 11:13 AM

wait the music department website says:
Recordings should be short, no more than 10 minutes and feature two pieces of contrasting style or period.
^does that mean 10 minutes total or each?

the yale undergrad admissions website says:
Submissions from instrumentalists and vocalists should consist of two or three pieces of contrasting styles
^specifies no time limit....

wjb · 10-24-2009, 01:30 PM

Two years ago the requirement was two contrasting pieces, ten minutes total. The length thing is a challenge. Two short-ish options, if you have them in your repertoire, are a Chopin Etude and a Bach Prelude & Fugue.

Stupefy · 10-24-2009, 01:36 PM

^interesting suggestion because I planned to submit chopin ballade no. 3 and either a bach prelude&fugue or an etude of some sort (something technical). the bachs I have recorded aren't spectacular though. I hate baroque music.

violadad · 10-24-2009, 02:32 PM

Again, no one listens to the full ten minutes. A trained ear can discern by a few passages a level of talent and training. "Works of contrasting style" are typical as recommended pieces as they can easily display both strengths and weaknesses.

Clarimom · 10-24-2009, 07:45 PM

The music department's information online is outdated, as this year Yale Admissions began a new procedure of supplementary music submission being all online--via mp3 files. (The music department website is still stating 'tapes or CD's'). The Yale Admissions website does not specify time limits for the mp3 files, and says 2-3 pieces of contrasting style--whole pieces or movements preferable.