Advice on LTCL Repertoire :)

Hi, I'm in the middle of choosing pieces for my LTCL program and advice is much needed. FYI, I didn't take ATCL and I haven't been playing piano for many years since my grade 8 exam. So I'm opting for safe (relatively easier) pieces. Hope you can shed some light on the following questions:

1. Is it a must or safe to include a Bach prelude and fugue in my program? Would anyone recommend Scarlatti instead?

2. I'm deciding sonatas between Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn and Schubert. Any advice eg what are the skills required by each and which one would be easier to master? (I saw from some forum saying that Mozart is a safe choice but hard to get high score. Is it true?)

3. I'm choosing amongst Chopin, Schumann and Brahms for romantic period. How would you compare the difficulties and skills required by each of them?

4. I will probably play Ginastera (Danzas Argentinas) for 20th century. Any tips?

Your detailed advice is highly appreciated. Millions of thanks!!

 

I'm no expert on these matters, so here's some purely personal thoughts.

1) If maybe not always a must, it's probably always safe to include a Bach P&F. Scarlatti, however good to show off your dexterity, is no substitute for a really demanding and academic P&F.

2) Mozart and Haydn are generally technically easier than Schubert and Beethoven. But you are more exposed, especially in Mozart.

3) You can't really compare composers. All three have accessible as well as immensely demanding pieces. Chopin seems the safest choice if not the most original. Brahms is generally a step up from Schumann, difficult both technically and musically.

4) Everybody seems to play the Ginastera dances these days. It's not a very original choice. But maybe that is not a consideration for an exam, I dunno.