Mark form

Wan In Hou
Piano, Performance Grade 8

Overall result: Merit

J. S. Bach: Sarabande and Gigue (4th and 6th movts from English Suite 23/30
No. 2 in A minor, BWV 807)
The tempo was suitably slow in the sarabande though the ornaments slowed the pace at
times. The legato was not always preserved, but you did explore some varied tone colour
along the way. The gigue had a jaunty pace but the ornaments again were not easily
incorporated. The entries could have been more clearly pointed and there was room for
more inventive dynamic shaping.

Schubert: Allegro moderato (1st movt from Sonata in E, D. 459) 24/30

You caught some of the classical elegance in the opening theme and there was some good
spaciousness in the phrasing. The balance could have favoured the melody lines even more
and the tempo could have been more stable; there was a tendency to rush ahead in places.
Though not always subtle in approach, you did explore a wide dynamic range to add
interest.

Chopin: Nocturne in G minor, Op. 37 No. 1 25/30

You played with a hint of cantabile touch: an even warmer singing tone was possible. Rubato
tempo was also hinted at, even more expansive shaping would be welcome. The chordal
middle section had some tonal shaping though the chords could have been voiced more in
favour of the melody line.

Hopekirk: Air 26/30

This was played with some understanding of the style, though there was room for more
expansive use of <> shapes and rubato tempo. The climaxes on the final page were a little
understated. Otherwise this showed some good expressive intent and technical assurance.

Performance as a whole 25/30

There was some sense of performance and occasion here and there was some expressive
conviction in the playing. The pieces were well paced though the placing of the 2 very lyrical
romantic pieces side by side was ambitious. The presentation had some sense of ease thanks
to the generally secure playing.

Pass 100 | Merit 120 | Distinction 130 Total mark: 123/150

Presented By: - Contact ID: 007OA176

Date of exam: 20 May 2021

Examiner: T047

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