ABRSM Grade 8 distinction for Michelle

Congratulations to Michelle on achieving a distinction in her ABRSM Grade 8 piano performance exam!

Piece Summaries:

1. Mozart: Allegro (1st movt from Sonata in F, K. 332) Michelle demonstrated commendable tempo selection and dynamic expression, with opportunities identified for enhancing articulation and pedal usage.
2. Beethoven: Adagio cantabile (2nd movt from Sonata in C minor ‘Pathétique’, Op. 13) Michelle delivered a beautifully paced performance, showcasing clear phrase shaping, controlled articulation, and a well-balanced texture and touch.
3. Tchaikovsky: Juin: Barcarolle (No. 6 from Les saisons, Op. 37b) Michelle portrayed an engaging lyrical character with accuracy, suggesting potential for further expression and poise in moments requiring deeper musical exploration.
4. Albéniz: Rumores de La Caleta (Malagueña) (No. 6 from Recuerdos de viaje, Op. 71) Michelle’s rendition was evocative, effectively managing tempo changes and demonstrating controlled articulation, with minor imperfections swiftly overcome.

Performance Summary: Michelle curated an effective program with well-spaced pieces, demonstrating understanding of musical character and crafting moments of excellence. While some refinement opportunities exist, Michelle’s performance at this high level was commendable and yielded a splendid outcome.