I took my Trinity London ATCL performance last year, and the result was 85 marks (Distinction), and 9 marks out of total 10 for programme notes, 28 marks out of 30 for musical sense, and 26 marks out of 30 for technique.
Here was my programme notes about one of my exam pieces - Poulenc Sonata, I wrote this myself and expressed my feeling when playing it:
"3. Francis Jean Marcel Poulenc (1899 – 1963)
Sonata for flute and piano
Movement I Allegretto malincolico (4:38)
Movement II Cantilena (3:55)
Movement III Presto giocoso (3:39)
Francis Poulenc was born in Paris, a reputed French composer in the 20th century. He was a member of the famous Les Six – a group of six composers whose music was against the impressionist music.
This piece was written in 1957, a commissioned piece dedicated to the memory of Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge. But actually Mr. Poulenc was composing it for the leading flutist of the time Jean-Pierre Rampal to play it in 1957.
The abstract, quick change in mood and feeling, and the great contrasts in tempo, rhythm, and dynamics make this piece very attractive and unique to listen to. Technically demanding is also shown in movement 1 and 3, especially in movement 3 where the composer exploited all the techniques of modern flute to its full. Melancholic, Reminiscent, Soothing, and Joyful rhythms and melodies are occillating in this piece. Especially in movement 2, the resolving and relieving mood are again interrupted by the sudden agitating feeling and excitement in the middle of the movement by using contrast in tempo and dynamics, then it returns back to calming resolving mood. (181 words)"
My Poulenc Flute Sonata (1-3 movements), practice run only, of course much better during exam:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju1CJI_XdoY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6nkqOk5PDo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-CuNZJuXTc
Examiner's comment on my Poulenc: "an authoritative understanding of the context was demonstrated."
<Added>Just think of a kid next door killed your cat, you are so angry, thinking why would this happen to me? then the police put him away, and you feel much better, but then you miss your pet, wish this never happened, then your mom bought you another cat. life goes on.
music is just tension and relief.
