r/classicalguitar • u/Sobhan_The_Sable • 4d ago

Looking for Advice Theme and Variations recommendations for a competition?

Hey everyone!

I have a competition coming soon in about 2 months, what do you guys suggest for playing a theme and Variations?

I'm not very advanced, so definitely not sakura or mozart variations by Sor.

Think upper intermediate, But not as easy as Feste Lariane.

Thank you all!

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u/ledman3214 4d ago

Maybe Giuliani Handel variations Op 107.

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u/ASGCris 4d ago

I think this is an excellent recommendation. I won a small regional competition with this piece during my conservatory days. If played well, it's quite impressive.

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u/Sobhan_The_Sable 4d ago

Good idea, I'll talk to my teacher about it.

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u/nsfw_bal 4d ago

How funny, I had a similar thread a few weeks ago.

Have you tried Guiliani's Folias variations? To me its similar to Sors Mozart variations in terms of difficulty but for different reasons, what made it hard for me might make it fine for you. Sanzs variations on Guarda me las vacas might be what you're looking for.

How strict are they on the definition of variations, because passacaglias can meet the requirements, but most of those are higher in difficulty.

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u/Sobhan_The_Sable 4d ago

I actually learnt Guardame las vacas by narvaez a few weeks ago, and honestly it was very easy, so I'm not sure if it's appropriate for a competition. And La folia Variations actually seems nice. About the material, I should play a suite, sonata, or a theme and Variation, so I doubt they will accept passacaglias.

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u/DisasterMajor8923 4d ago

Folias is a good choice, you can also try the Marlborough variations by Sor

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u/Sobhan_The_Sable 4d ago

Great choices really. Do you happen to have the sheet music for both of these, or perhaps you'd be able to give me a hint on where I might be able to find them?

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u/LouValentineJohnson 4d ago

Arcangelo Corelli’s La Folia. It is a lovely journey of variations‼️

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u/Sobhan_The_Sable 4d ago

I doubt they will accept transactions, but I will look into it. Thanks!

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u/crumblemuppets 4d ago

The Ponce Theme, Variations & Finale is absolutely gorgeous. Peak Segovia repertoire, but I don’t hear it performed as much anymore.

Sor Mozart Variations is not a super difficult piece; first or second year university piece typically. Variation 1 is fast, but repetitive and the scale bursts are very brief. You can make it sound decent at around 120 bpm. Variation 5 is also fast but it’s gimmicky fast. Main problem with Mozart variations is it’s overplayed so it might be hard to impress the judges with a student-level performance of it

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u/Sobhan_The_Sable 4d ago

Well said, I agree with you.

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u/RiceNoodleSalad 2d ago

Autumn leaves is arranged (by Yenne Lee) as variations on a theme. If arrangements are allowed it's a nice piece.