<p>I'm definitely planning on submitting a tape of me playing the violin when applying to colleges in the fall, but my teacher and I didn't really know how one goes about doing this. Our biggest question was with type of piece I should perform - one that is much more difficult technically, and that anyone who knows classical music would know is difficult, or one that sounds difficult, but in reality isn't. Which should I choose - for reference, the one that sounds easier but is much more difficult (meaning shifts and dynamics, etc) is Handel's Sonata in E major, and the one that sounds difficult (meaning fast paced) is Bach's Concerto for Two Violins.
Any help welcome...</p>
<p>How about submitting both?</p>
<p>filmxoxo17: Play something you have perfected and play very well. It's better to do an impressive job on an easier song than really struggle through a hard song. Keep in mind that someone familiar with music will probably evaluate your ability, so he/she will probably know the difficulty level of your song regardless of how <em>difficult</em> it sounds. Even though the Bach or Handel definitely will not be nearly as difficult as, say, the Beethoven Violin Concerto, excellent sound quality and intonation could give you a little edge (and are definitely more important than a fast tempo).</p>
<p>Many formal auditions follow a simple format: two relatively short pieces of contrasting style-eg something fast and romantic and something slow and baroque, or vice versa. A college audition tape should probably follow this pattern-and be pretty short.</p>
<p>By the way, Handel and Bach are too similar-a baroque and early classical combo wont cut it.</p>
<p>Also, if you have a good vibrato try out a Beethoven Romance (such as opus 50), the 2nd movement of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto (more difficult), or the 2nd movement of Mozart's 5th Violin concerto. That is, if you are very comfortable playing high notes (4th position and up). Most colleges want to see a variety of playing styles: the ability not only to play baroque, but also classical and romantic music. So if you play a fast-paced baroque song for your 1st selection, then add variety and play a slow romantic piece for your 2dn selection.</p>