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Founder & Director: Arthur Houle
THE SUSAN TORGRUDE AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE OF AN ORIGINAL COMPOSITION BY THE CONTESTANT
For this prize category, judge(s) will be evaluating the quality of both the performance and the composition itself.
Original compositions may be in any style for piano solo, piano duet (four hands), or two pianos (including concerto movement with orchestra part as second piano reduction). If possible, please write out neatly or print by computer. If composition is somewhat improvisatory, the piece may be written out in some form of shorthand representation and/or innovative notation (e.g., "fake chart," some kind of structural diagram, etc.). It would be ideal to make one copy for each judge. It's all right if original composition(s) have already been played in other competitions. However, we do not allow contestants to play repertory that they have played in previous IFCP festivals, unless the piece is a very different version, and/or the performance is significantly altered in some way. If in doubt, contact Dr. Houle.
If a contestant opts to write a concerto movement, the orchestra part must be arranged as a 2nd piano reduction. Contestants are responsible for securing a 2nd pianist to play this reduction.
Contestants are also responsible for securing a 2nd pianist for four-hand duets or two-piano works. At the discretion of the judge(s), this award may be split between the duet performers, especially if the piece was composed by both performers.
It is certainly expected that students will get constructive guidance from teachers and others on their original compositions (help with theory, form, extra-musical imagery, etc.). However, we are relying on the integrity of teachers, parents and students to insure that original works are principally, if not wholly, the product of the student's own imagination and unique creative abilities.
Contestants may choose to play more than one original piece. There is no minimum length to compositions, but keep in mind that contestants are limited to a maximum total playing time of 15 minutes.
For fledgling composers and improvisers, we recommend the Pattern Play Series.
For help with understanding theory and musical forms:
Alfred: Basic Forms in Music (1407)
Musical forms are illustrated through representative literature of all
periods. Includes complete examples as well as suggestions for further
listening and analytical experiences.
Essentials of Music Theory
Book 1 (17231)
Book 2 (17232)
Book 3 (17233)
Complete Book (17234)
Teacher's Answer Key Book (17256)
Teacher's Answer Key and 2 Ear Training CDs (17261)
Ear Training CD 1 (For Books 1 & 2) (17252)
Ear Training CD 2 (For Book 3) (17253)
Ear Training CDs 1 & 2 (For Books 1-3) (17254)
CD-ROM: Educator, Volume 1 -- With Student Database holding up to 200
users (18826)
The listings above are from Alfred’s web site at:
You can order Alfred's music and software from any music store.
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Please note: All terms of this festival are contingent on fund-raising and subject to change.
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