List A
List B
No. |
Composer |
Piece information |
Publication(s) |
1 |
H. Hofmann
|
Scherzo No. 7 from Skizzen, Op. 77
|
|
2 |
Schumann
|
Fröhlicher Landmann, von der Arbeit zurückkehrend (The Merry Peasant, Returning from Work) No. 10 from Album für die Jugend, Op. 68
|
|
3 |
Žilinskis
|
Waltz in A
|
|
4 |
Gurlitt
|
Klage No. 18 from 24 melodische Etüden, Op. 201
|
No. 18 from Gurlitt: 24 melodische Etüden, Op. 201Zen-On (ZO 102083)
More details
|
5 |
George Nevada
|
Ninette's Musette No. 5 from Romantic Impressions
|
No. 5 from George Nevada: Romantic ImpressionsSchott (ED 7826)
More details
Waltzes – 48 Original Piano PiecesSchott (ED 9047)
More details
|
6 |
Tchaikovsky
|
Mazurka No. 10 from Album pour enfants, Op. 39
|
No. 11 from Tchaikovsky: Album for the Young, Op. 39ABRSM
More details
No. 19 from A Keyboard Anthology, 2nd Series, Book 1ABRSM
More details
|
List C
Piano requirements and information: Pieces
Programme planning: Candidates must choose one piece from each of the three lists (A, B and C) in each grade. In the exam, they should inform the examiner which pieces they are performing, and they are welcome to use the Exam programme & running order form (PDF) for this purpose.
Exam music & editions: Wherever the syllabus includes an arrangement or transcription, the edition listed in the syllabus must be used in the exam; in all such cases the abbreviation ‘arr.’ or ‘trans.’ appears in the syllabus entry. For all other pieces, the editions quoted in the syllabus are given for guidance only and candidates may use any edition of their choice (in- or out-of-print or downloadable).
Interpreting the score: Printed editorial suggestions such as fingering, metronome marks, realization of ornaments etc. need not be strictly observed. Whether the piece contains musical indications or not, candidates are always encouraged to interpret the score in a stylistically appropriate manner. Ultimately, examiners’ marking will be determined by consideration of pitch, time, tone, shape and performance, and how control of these contributes to the overall musical outcome.
Pedalling: The use and control of pedalling, and its effect on tone and shape, will be taken into account by examiners, who will be assessing the overall musical outcome rather than the strict observance of any printed pedal indications (which may therefore be adapted or omitted, as appropriate). Pieces whose full musical effect is heavily reliant on pedalling (whether marked in the music or not) should be avoided if appropriate pedalling cannot be managed.
Hand stretch: Candidates should choose the most suitable pieces for their hand size from the syllabus lists. If necessary, they may occasionally adapt the music by ‘spreading’ chords or omitting notes at wide stretches, provided the result is musically satisfactory.
Repeats: All da capo and dal segno indications should be observed but all other repeats (including first-time bars) should be omitted unless they are very brief (i.e. of a few bars) or unless the syllabus specifies otherwise.
Performing from memory: Candidates are free to perform any of their pieces from memory; in such cases they must ensure that a copy of the music is available for the examiner to refer to if necessary. No additional marks are awarded for playing from memory.
Page-turns: Examiners will be understanding if a page-turn causes a lack of continuity during a piece, and this will not affect the marking. A variety of solutions for awkward page-turns exists, including the use of an additional copy of the music or a photocopy of a section of the piece (but see ‘Photocopies’ below). In cases where candidates believe there is no solution to a particularly awkward page-turn, they may apply to bring a page-turner to the exam. The request must be made to syllabus@abrsm.ac.uk no later than the closing date for entry, and details of the piece, edition and nature of the difficulty should be given. If permission is granted, a confirmation letter will be issued which must be taken to the exam as verification. Examiners are unable to help with page-turning.
Photocopies: Performing from unauthorized photocopies (or other kinds of copies) of copyright editions is not allowed. ABRSM may withhold the exam result where it has evidence of an illegal copy (or copies) being used. In the UK, copies may be used in certain limited circumstances – for full details, see the MPA’s Code of Fair Practice at www.mpaonline.org.uk. In all other cases, application should be made to the copyright holder before any copy is made, and evidence of permission received should be brought to the exam.