<p>Hi All, </p>
<p>Is there any standard for how best to record multi movement pieces. </p>
<p>Assuming I will record as MP3, should it be recorded as a single piece with breaks or a separate mp3 for each movement ?</p>
<p>Nothing seems to be specified in the audition or competition outlines.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>First, make sure that they will accept the mp3 format. Many auditions and competitions these days want videos rather than audio only. Many of the ones that still want audio only request a CD format. Since not all CD audio players are capable of playing mp3’s, that may not be the way to go.</p>
<p>Concerning splitting up the movements, that is normally the way that I would do it so that each movement gets its own index number on a CD. However, if there is any doubt at all (and in this case there is because you are asking the question), you should get on the phone and speak directly with whoever is running this audition or competition. Ask them to tell you exactly what they want, then make sure to give that to them.</p>
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<p>I think they are looking for 3-5 minute pieces, not 20 minute performances. Pick the movement that best shows their abilities.</p>
<p>I think that the original poster’s assumption is that more than one movement is required or desired by the institution. Choosing a single movement is not an option. </p>
<p>Most high-level schools and summer programmes want at least a first movement of a standard concerto recorded. This single movement wil typically run 12 to 20 minutes even with cuts (unless the student has chosen an easier student-level concerto). With violin, most institutions also want one or two movements of Bach on the recording; a serious candidate is unlikely to record the shorter movements, but is more likely to record the fugues or Ciaconna which are more in the neighbourhood of 8 to 13 minutes each. Some institutions do ask for just the exposition and cadenza from the first movement of a concerto. </p>
<p>Many serious pianists and string players will submit recordings which are 30 to 40 minutes long for conservatory prescreens. I expect that the recordings are rarely heard in their entirety because the listeners can make very accurate determinations after hearing a minute or two or three of each movement. I believe that most listeners would prefer separate tracks for separate movements in order to facilitate their listening and decision-making. My son has always submitted separate movements as separate tracks and has always been accepted at the summer programmes to which he has applied. As others mention, if in doubt, check with the institution.</p>
<p>Actually this is for several competition entries we are doing this year. The pieces are specific and most are multi-movement.
I’ll be recording as .wav files not mp3.</p>