Recital Opener Suggestions

[TheMarchingOyster]

Good afternoon y’all,

I’m beginning to piece together the program for my joint senior recital next semester and have most of it locked in, but have yet to decide on a proper “opener” to the program. For context, the other pieces on my part of the program are:

John Boda Sonatina

Mahler Lieder und Gesänge aus der Jugendzeit (will select 2-3 from the collection, undecided as of now) - arranged by Dr. Jeff Baker

Vivaldi Concerto in G Minor for 2 Cellos RV531 (finale done with my recital partner, who is a cellist)

My professor has suggested Turrin’s Concert Piece no. 1 for that slot, which I highly enjoy, but I’m always open to hear more options. Thank you and have a wonderful day!

[TD517]

If you want something exciting and entertaining as an opener, the Goedicke Concert Etude is a great choice, especially if you can get it really cooking.

Another one my teacher threw out as a spitball option years ago was the Ritter George Sonata 3rd movement.

[davewerden]

If you want something exciting and entertaining as an opener, the Goedicke Concert Etude is a great choice, especially if you can get it really cooking.

I just did that a few weeks ago! It's a great piece.

Another one my teacher threw out as a spitball option years ago was the Ritter George Sonata 3rd movement.

This is also a stirring piece if you have good air and a good triple-tongue facility. I did it many years ago at U of Akron:

[JasonDonnelly]

Perhaps a theme-and-variations? There's the traditional ones like Carnival of Venice, Napoli, and Endearing Young Charms, but you could just as well do a modern one, such as Peter Graham's Brillante or Bravura.

[Snorlax]

I once opened a program with DIALOGUE by Roger Jones. Begins with a big piano chord to
wake up the audience. ;-)
It's energetic/lyrical and well written. Available at SheetMusic.com IIRC.
For some reason, this piece never became a staple of the literature. Not sure why.

[lzajmom]

I just did that a few weeks ago! It's a great piece.

The lady behind your left shoulder is really grooving with you.