Prescreening & Audition Repertoire - Yale School of Music

Keyboard Audition Information

Piano

Prescreening Recording (Audio or Video):

• (1) a Bach prelude and fugue or another original work by Bach (not a transcription)
• (2) a sonata or variations by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, or Schubert (for the recording, provide at least two contrasting movements; for the live audition, prepare an entire work)
• (3) a larger Romantic 19th-century work
• (4) a 20th- or 21st-century composition (for a multi-movement work, provide at least 2 contrasting movements)

Live Audition:

Audition and prescreening repertoire may be the same or different, as long as both programs adhere to these guidelines. A concerto may be used for the recording, but not for the live audition.

Organ

Prescreening Recording (Audio):

Representative works from the major areas of organ literature:

• (1) a major Bach work
• (2) a Romantic work
• (3) a contemporary work

Live Audition:

Organ applicants are strongly encouraged, though not required, to perform different works from those on the prescreening recording. However, works should be chosen from the same three categories above. Applicants will also be asked to demonstrate sight-reading ability and other essential musical skills.

Harpsichord

Prescreening Recording (Audio):

• (1) Bach: a contrapuntal work taken either from the Well-Tempered Clavier or from the set of keyboard toccatas
• (2) a series of French dances from either the 17th or 18th century
• (3) candidate’s choice: in contrast to the above repertoire, please choose a representative example from either the English Virginalist school, early 17th-century Italian toccata, two contrasting sonatas of Domenico Scarlatti, or 20th- to 21st-century literature

Live Audition:

Candidates will be responsible for the above-mentioned literature and, additionally, a French 17th-century unmeasured prelude. Also, candidates will be tested on their expertise in continuo realization.

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​Updated on 08/28/2018